HC Deb 14 March 1912 vol 35 cc1262-3
Viscount WOLMER

asked whether, in view of the fact that small friendly societies in the country were finding considerable difficulty in accommodating their constitution and management to the conditions of the National Insurance Act, the Insurance Commissioners would arrange that the Act should not come into force until the last possible date—namely, 1st January, 1913?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The answer is in the negative. The Commissioners are offering every assistance to all societies by the supply of information through lectures, by the issue of model rules and other literature, and by correspondence and interviews in their office. There is no doubt that it is in the interest of all classes of the community, and especially members of existing friendly societies, that the Act should come into operation at the earliest possible moment—namely, 15th July, 1912.