§ Mr. GEORGE FABERasked whether, under the terms or within the meaning of the National Insurance Act, compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act must in future be obtained through the medium of a member's approved society?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe answer is in the negative. Compensation for accident will be received from the same sources as before the passing of the National Insurance Act, and any compensation less than 10s. a week in value will in ordinary cases be made up to that amount out of the Insurance Fund. Insurance for benefit upon accident beyond this amount can be made to any extent outside the National Insurance scheme through an approved society or otherwise.
§ Mr. G. FABERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in a circular issued by the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants to its members it is stated, amongst other things, that the all-important fact to its members is that compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act must in future be obtained through the medium of a member's approved society?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI should like to see the circular. I should think it probably refers to Section 11.
§ Mr. G. FABERIf that information is inaccurate, has not the hon. Gentleman means of taking steps to see that inaccurate information of this important character is not conveyed by societies to their members?
§ Mr. MASTERMANPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will allow me to consider his statement first. If I was to endeavour to take steps to inform people whenever inaccurate information was given, I should have my time occupied.
§ Mr. G. FABERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Amalgamated Society of 1260 Railway Servants is a most important society with many thousands of members?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI agree. I shall be glad to consider any documents the hon. Gentleman may place before me.