§ 69. Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked what was the total number of societies which had been in communication with the National Insurance Health Commissioners with a view to their becoming approved or with a view to their obtaining information prior to their deciding to become approved; and what proportion of the total working population did these societies represent?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am quite unable to give any numbers of all societies which have communicated in any way with the Commissioners with a view to obtaining information prior to deciding to apply for approval, as it would involve examination of some thousands of letters and reference to some hundreds of interviews. A first list of societies actually approved will be issued to-morrow, and further lists from time to time, as they are ready.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTCan the hon. Gentleman give the House any indication of the proportion of the working population of the country that are likely to drift into the position of deposit contributors?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI think it would be perfectly premature to make any statement as to that. From all the indications I can see I think there will be very few indeed. We shall not know really how many until next October.