§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked how many of the small friendly societies which since the introduction of the National Insurance Bill last May have notified their intention to dissolve are rural societies; and how many of these have made no provision for the future health insurance of their members?
§ Mr. MASTERMANOf the 278 societies which, as I stated in an answer to a question from the hon. Member for St. Pancras on the 6th instant, have, since the 1257 introduction of the National Insurance Bill, notified their intention to dissolve, fifty-six would appear to come within the description of rural societies. In no case has the dissolution of any such rural society been completed. Instruments of dissolution have been received from nine societies, but these have not been registered, and the remaining forty-seven societies have not at present, so far as is known, taken active steps to dissolve. Dissolution of a friendly society can only take place with the written consent of five-sixths in value of the members, and it would be for them to arrange individually for their future health insurance.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs it the custom of the Commissioners and the lecturers to dissuade the small societies from dissolving?
§ Mr. MASTERMANA Circular has been sent out by the Commissioners urging members of small societies who wish to dissolve to make themselves fully familiar with the provisions of the Act before they do so.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSCan the hon. Gentleman say whether they can make themselves familiar with Section 72, and whether they are bound to bring forward a scheme?
§ Mr. MASTERMANWhether they are bound to bring forward a scheme is now under the consideration of the law officers, and I hope to be able to report in a few days.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIs it possible for the societies to make themselves familiar with Section 72, when the Secretary to the Treasury has had to have the assistance of the law officers?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThat has nothing to do with this question of dissolution. They can dissolve quite apart from whether Section 72 affects their dissolution or not.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIs the Secretary to the Treasury or the Commissioners holding off sanction to the dissolution till the decision is given on Section 72?
§ Mr. MASTERMANCertainly. They have advised them to postpone it until that has taken place, but whatever the decision they might still dissolve or not as they please.