§ 65. Mr. JAMES THOMASasked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the Midland Railway Company at Birmingham has refused to pay sick benefit, in accordance with the Midland Railway Friendly Society's rules, to a member who was in receipt of compensation in respect of an accident which occurred prior to the National Insurance Act coming into operation, their refusal being based on the ground that this man not 2051 having made this particular society his approved one under the Act no sick pay would be paid; and whether he will say, in view of the effect of such treatment, what action he proposes to take to insure employés from being penalised in their choice of a society as provided by the Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have no information on the case in question which does not appear to arise out of the business of the society under the National Insurance Act. If the hon. Member will furnish me with further particulars I will make inquiries from the society on the subject.