HC Deb 01 June 1911 vol 26 cc1226-7
Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked (1) how it will be possible under a flat rate system of insurance premium to prevent the low-paid but more healthy agricultural labourer contributing not merely his own quota towards medical, sickness, and other benefits under the National Insurance scheme, but part also of that of the higher-paid but less healthy town artisan; and (2) whether, in view of the better health enjoyed by the agricultural community as compared with the urban population, the uniform rate of weekly payment under the National Insurance Bill, and the mode of appropriation of the surplus funds of branches of approved societies, provided for by Clause 30, it will be to the advantage of agricultural labourers to form large societies confined to rural areas rather than join any of the large friendly societies having branches in the towns, to which the benefit of the surplus of their country branches will be transferred?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

In the next question on the Paper the hon. Member suggests a solution of the problem propounded in this question, a solution which, if he will refer to the answer which I gave him on the 11th ultimo, he will find to be the correct one.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Is it the desire and intention of the right hon. Gentleman that rural members of the large friendly societies should on the Bill becoming an Act of Parliament leave those societies and join others of their own creation?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

That is a matter entirely for the rural members to consider themselves. That is one of the principles of the Bill that we do not interfere at all with the arrangements of the friendly societies.

Mr. C. BATHURST

May I ask whether that is the only method which he contemplates to avoid injustice being done to the agricultural community?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

That is the method which is in practice at the present moment.

Viscount HELMSLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of altering the rate for persons engaged in the healthy industry of agriculture?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I think the Noble Lord, if he will reflect, will withdraw that suggestion. He will find that it would be imposible to work in practice in a great national scheme, because they are moving from one district to another.