HC Deb 20 March 1912 vol 35 cc1887-8
Mr. BOOTH

asked if the National Health Commissioners have recommended employed contributors not to make use of trade unions as approved societies under the National Insurance Act (Part I.): whether trade unions can refuse to pay additional benefits to their members in contradistinction from friendly societies; and whether the Regulations to be issued by the Commissioners will declare all funds provided under the Act to be inalienable and prevent their being diverted by any organisation?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The National Health Insurance Commissioners have made no sort of recommendation to employed contributors not to make use of their trade unions as approved societies. As regards the second part of the question, trade unions which are approved societies will be in exactly the same position as friendly societies, and will apply any surplus arising under the Act to giving additional benefits to its members in accordance with the provisions of Section 37. With regard to the third part of the question, it is directly enacted by Section 35 (4) that funds and credits under the Act shall not be applied directly or indirectly for any purposes other than those of insurance business under the Act.

Mr. BOOTH

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that erroneous statements, as suggested in my question, have been made extensively by prominent Members of this House who sit on the opposite side?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I very much regret if any such erroneous statements have been made, either inside or outside this House.

Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Does the hon. Gentleman say that the payment of extra benefits, apart from the Act, could be enforced against trade unions?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I do not understand what that question means.

Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Can the hon. Gentleman say if a member of a trade union who had selected his trade union as his approved society paid in addition to the 4d. some sum for sickness benefit, whether that benefit could be enforced in view of the Trades Disputes Act?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Perhaps the hon. Member will not mind putting that question down.