HC Deb 22 February 1912 vol 34 cc744-5
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state the names, addresses, and usual occupations of the official lecturers appointed by the English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh Insurance Commissioners; and whether he can state by whom each was recommended for his appointment?

Sir JOHN LONSDALE

asked the names, addresses, and qualifications and salaries of the organisers and instructors appointed to date by the Irish Insurance Commissioners, and if any applicants for posts under these Commissioners have been disqualified in accordance with the rule prohibiting the exercise of political influence in regard to these appointments?

Mr. MASTERMAN

As I informed the House yesterday, I propose to include in a White Paper, to be laid upon the Table, names of all persons appointed to temporary or permanent positions (other than clerical) by the Insurance Commissioners, with their occupations at the date of appointment. I do not propose to print the private addresses of these gentlemen, but any communications will find them addressed to the Office of the Commissions under which they are working. The answer to the last part of the question of the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh is in the negative, as the Irish Commissioners are not aware of any infringement of the rule referred to.

Captain CRAIG

May I ask whether any of these lecturers who are paid for out of public funds are lecturing on Sundays?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I have no information on the point. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me notice.

Captain CRAIG

(producing a printed poster): Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in Ireland, in the Nationalist parts of the country, these lecturers, sent round by the Government, and paid for out of public funds, are announced to attend these meetings to explain the Act, on the Sabbath afternoons?

Mr. MASTERMAN

To judge from the document produced, the hon. and gallant Gentleman is endeavouring to make me aware of the fact.

Captain CRAIG

Will the right hon. Gentleman, on behalf of the Government, say whether these gentlemen, paid for out of public funds, will be permitted to give these lectures on Sunday afternoons?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I should like to find out all the facts before giving an answer.

Captain CRAIG

May I take the opportunity of passing this [the printed poster] over to the hon. Gentleman?