HC Deb 04 December 1911 vol 32 cc1029-30
Mr. SNOWDEN

asked if the woman member of the Insurance Commission will be paid the same salary as the men members?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The answer is in the affirmative?

Mr. SNOWDEN

May I ask if that practice will be observed in all appointments under the Insurance Bill?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

So far as I know. I have heard nothing to the contrary.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer a question of which I have given him private notice, namely, whether the report is correct that the secretary of the British Medical Association has been appointed a member of the Commission; and, if so, when was he first approached?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The report is correct. Mr. J. Smith Whitaker was approached last week for the first time on the subject. He consulted his council, and I have a letter from him dated 2nd December, as follows:— Having consulted the council of the British Medical Association, I have been advised by them to accept the post of deputy-chairman of the Insurance Commission for England offered in your letter of December 1st, and I do so accept on the terms stated in that letter.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

May I ask whether we may assume that the British Medical Association are satisfied with the provisions of the Bill?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I should not like to express an opinion on that question. At any rate, the offer was made to the secretary, and the British Medical Association allowed him to accept the position.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Will any person be appointed to represent Scotland?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

We shall appoint a medical officer, though, perhaps, not on the same terms. So far as England is concerned, the appointment has been given to one who has experience of this country.