HC Deb 10 April 1912 vol 36 cc1282-3
Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the work of county nursing associations and other organisations providing out of voluntary resources district and village nurses and midwives, and of the fact that these were largely maintained by workmen's contributions which were likely to be partially or wholly withdrawn in the future, the Health Insurance Commissioners would instruct their lecturers to point out to the executive committees of approved societies the fairness and desirability of making contributions out of their funds to such organisations under Section 21 of the National Insurance Act?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)

It is the duty of the official lecturers to explain Section 21 with the other provisions of Part I. of the Act, but it would not be desirable that they should give such advice as the hon. Member suggests on a matter which is left by the Act to the discretion of societies and insurance committees themselves.

Mr. C. BATHURST

How will the societies concerned have knowledge of the provisions of the Act relating to nursing associations unless their attention is called to them by the lecturers?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I will consider whether any steps should be taken, but I do not think it is part of the official lecturers' duty to do it.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Have any steps at all yet been taken by the Commissioners to prevent these voluntary nursing associations from being dissolved?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I have already stated that I had no knowledge that any such steps for dissolution were being taken, and I asked the hon. Member, if he had any such knowledge, to bring the facts before me.

Mr. C. BATHURST

But have any steps been taken?