§ 31. Mr. ESSEXasked what action is being taken by the Commissioners with regard to the county organisations now being formed in many parts of the country with the object of securing for the rural population the full benefits of the National Insurance Act, without impairing the status and utility of the existing local societies?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe question of the position of small rural societies under the Act has engaged the attention of the English Commissioners, and they have taken special care that nothing in their administration of the Act should be done to impair the status or utility of such societies or deter them from seeking approval. They recognise that some form of common action is desirable between such of these societies as decide to take part in the administration of the Act, and for this reason they have welcomed, and in many cases assisted in the formation of organisations of the kind referred to. These organisations which now exist in nearly all the counties of England are of various kinds, including county friendly societies, county State insurance societies, county associations of separately-approved societies, and voluntary advisory committees; but in all cases the object is to secure the full benefits of the Act for the rural population without encroaching on the independence and voluntary activities of the village societies. Wherever the Commissioners are satisfied that such an organisation is representative of rural interests as a whole, they have given, and will continue to give it all the assistance in their power. The direction in which the assistance is being given varies with the type of organisation, but I may mention as illustrations, the provision of literature especially adapted to the circumstances of a particular area, the preparation of model rules, the bringing of local societies and county organisations in touch with one another. In many cases lecturers, and in some cases officers 1653 of the Commission have attended meetings of the organisations especially to advise them as to their constitution and procedure, and the Insurance Commissioners hope to extend this practice in the Bear future. Every possible assistance "will be given to such societies in connection with the keeping of the necessary accounts, and it is hoped that the official auditors appointed under the Act and the officers of the Commission will be able personally to confer with the officials of societies who desire it.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSWould not the recommendation contained in the circular which has been addressed to the county associations, if carried out, bring the county associations into direct competition with the affiliated orders?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI cannot for the moment remember what those recommendations are. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question.