HC Deb 16 July 1912 vol 41 c215
34. Mr. BUTCHER

asked the reasons why, in appointing provisional local health committees, it was found necessary to place on such committees persons living outside of the locality for which the committees were appointed, and in many cases having no connection with the locality?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for North Monaghan on Monday, 8th July. Representatives of insured persons on the insurance committees now constituted on a provisional basis were selected by the central representative bodies of friendly societies and trade unions, and by the Association of Industrial Insurance Offices. I am not aware of any cases where persons having no connection with the society have been appointed. In certain cases the persons selected by the bodies mentioned do not actually reside within the boundaries of the area for which the committee acts; but in such cases they are probably officers of friendly societies or other approved societies which are largely operating within the boundary.

Mr. BUTCHER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many cases in which large friendly societies of about 5.000 and more have had nothing whatever to do with the appointment of these members of the provisional committees?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The large friendly societies have had a say in the matter.

Viscount HELMSLEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the employers who wish to do so can get in touch with them, and get upon those committees?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I do not know what the Noble Lord means by getting in touch with them. All the names are published, the meetings are published, and many of the Committees have representatives of the county councils upon them.

Mr. BUTCHER

Are these outside persons who have been appointed nominated in every case?

Mr. MASTERMAN

As far as I am aware—yes.