HC Deb 11 June 1912 vol 39 cc683-4
81. Mr. AMERY

asked whether it is the practice of official lecturers on the National Insurance Act to exact from those attending their lectures a pledge not to divulge any information to the Press; and, if so, what is the justification of such secrecy?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave yesterday to the hon. Members for Wolverhampton West and Ludlow.

Mr. HUNT

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the instructions sent to the Commissioners the word "Private" is written, and those attending are specially told that they cannot go to the lectures unless they pledge themselves not to say anything about them?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I have explained this matter many times to the House, and perhaps in a word I may explain it again. The ordinary lectures arranged by the lecturers are open to the public or otherwise as those who arrange the lectures desire, and if they choose they can have all the Press of Europe there. But in addition to that there are special courses of training for officials, and those at the request of the officials who wish to answer questions which they think might be misinterpreted in public are private courses. Those are the only courses which are private as far as the Insurance Commissioners are concerned.

Mr. HUNT

Does the hon. Gentleman mean that the representatives of friendly societies who attend in large numbers are told that the matters are secret? The word "Private" is written on the paper which is sent to them.

Mr. MASTERMAN

That does not refer to the ordinary thousands of lectures which have been given, but it refers to a certain number of special courses where the officials ask, in view of the fact that they wish to put a number of questions and they do not wish the answers to be reported, they may be private courses, and in that case they are private.

Mr. LLOYD

For what reason are the conveners of meetings allowed to have private meetings?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Because the officials themselves ask that these meetings should be private.

Mr. LLOYD

For what reason are they enabled to have them private?

Mr. HARRY LAWSON

Is there any penalty for divulging information to the Press?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I do not think there is any statutory penalty.