§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Secretary to the Treasury, whether the National Insurance Commission (Wales) still intends to establish an advisory board to nominate those who shall sit a Civil Service examination for appointments under the National Insurance Act; whether the opinion of Welsh Members of Parliament of all parties has been ascertained upon the desirability of such advisory board; and whether it is proposed to take any action as a result of the expression of any such opinion?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe Welsh Insurance Commission have made certain recommendations on the subject to the Treasury which are now under consideration. No steps, however, can be taken without Treasury approval and before a final decision is arrived at. I shall be happy to receive any representations on the subject from any quarter of the House.
§ Mr. WALTER ROCHWill we get some opportunity of discussing the matter before the final Treasury sanction is given?
§ Mr. MASTERMANFirst of all I would be glad to hear representations from those who care about the matter.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked whether the head offices of the National Insurance Commission (Wales) had been permanently fixed at Cardiff; what was the nature of these offices; how much rent would be paid for them, and to whom; whether a stub-office would be established in North Wales; and, if so, where?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe offices of the Welsh Commission have been permanently fixed at Cardiff. The public authorities of that city have generously provided excellent accommodation rent free. The question of establishing sub-offices will be considered if and when necessity arises.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSWill the hon. Gentleman consider the question of establishing a sub-office at Wrexham?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThat is a question for the Welsh Commissioners. It will be considered if necessity arises.
§ Mr. MASTERMANThat, no doubt, will come under the consideration of the Commissioners.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked whether the National Insurance Commission (Wales) had taken any steps to secure the establishment of provisional local health committees in the Welsh counties and county boroughs, in view of the number of points which must be decided by the local health committees the moment the Act comes into force in four months' time?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe steps required to secure the establishment of local insurance committees in Wales are under the consideration of the Welsh Commissioners.