§ MR. W. JOHNSTONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has seen a statement circulated by the Executive Committee appointed to watch the interests of the members of the London and North Western Railway Insurance Society, concerning the prejudicial effect the Employers' Liability Bill would have on their position; and if he will favourably consider any proposition allowing members of that and similar Insurance Societies to contract themselves out of the Act?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. ASQUITH, Fife, E.)I have given my most careful consideration to the subject, and I am satisfied that the Bill will not have the prejudicial effect that is imagined in the circular. The whole matter was fully discussed from every point of view by the Grand Committee, and they decided by a large majority to prevent contracting out of the Act, and to that decision the Government intend to adhere.
§ MR. TOMLINSONDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that any Association like this would be possible under the Act?
§ MR. ASQUITHYes, Sir; I do.