§ 51. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the printed form being handed to the late employés of the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers, Limited (1900), at their works in North-fleet and Swanscombe, when the men give their names for re-employment after the strike, with verbal instructions that it be filled up and returned as soon as possible, the employés being asked whether they are members of any approved sickness benefit society, and, if not at present members of an approved society, whether they would be prepared to join an approved 392 society instituted by the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers for the working of the Act on behalf of its employés, and if at present members of an approved society whether they would agree to transfer to such Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers' Society; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter in view of the provisions of the National Insurance Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have not seen the Form in question, but I understand that the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers, Limited, have been considering the formation of an approved society under Section 25 of the Act, and issued an inquiry of the kind indicated with the intention of discovering how many of their employés were likely to join the society if formed. On the information before me, I see nothing in the action of the firm which calls for intervention on the part of the Commissioners.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSWas it made a condition of reinstatement?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have no information on that point. If the hon. Gentleman has any information, perhaps he will communicate with me.
Sir G. PARKERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will communicate with the company, asking them whether they have made it a condition of re-employment?
§ Mr. MASTERMANYes, I think I am prepared to do that.