§ 44. Sir J. D. REESasked whether mass meetings of farmers have been held at Peterborough, Long Sutton, Newbury, Burton-on-Trent, Limerick, Gloucester, and in different parts of Banffshire, denouncing the National Insurance Act as it affects agricultural interests; whether mass meetings have been called for the same purpose in Northampton, Hunting don, Cambridge, Lincoln, and Rutland; and, if so, what action the Government proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have no information on the subject beyond vague and imperfect reports in certain newspapers. I have no evidence that any serious intention or organised resistance to the law exists among any class of employers, but if the contrary should be true the Government will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of insured persons.
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have never heard of any.
§ Mr. LUNDONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the meeting referred to was held in the tap-room of the "Royal George," and that the people who were associated with it were the understrappers and agents of the Unionist landlords of the district?