HC Deb 06 May 1912 vol 38 cc13-4
Mr. HEWINS

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, in view of the fact that the employer's obligations under the Insurance Act vary with the age, sex, wages, and salaries, and the nature of the contract of service with his workpeople, and in view of the fact that certain additional obligations are imposed on him in the event of a deficit being shown in the financial position of approved societies of which his workpeople are members, whether any and, if so, what Regulations are being made by the Insurance Commissioners in respect to the duties of employers under the Act; and whether he will appoint a Committee to assist in the framing of such Regulations as will secure, so far as works management is concerned, the smooth and economical working of the Act?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Draft regulations as to the collection of contributions have been prepared by the Joint Committee of the Commissions. They will be submitted to the Advisory Committee, which meets on Friday. That Advisory Committee includes twenty-seven members who have been selected as representatives of all sections of employers, and who will provide that expert advice and assistance which is desirable for the smooth and economical working of the Act.

Mr. HEWINS

What are the great trades which are represented?

Mr. MASTERMAN

All the great trades of the country. We asked all the great trades to appoint representatives, and I think they all have representatives chosen on the Advisory Committee.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Is it a fact that the whole of the tinplate and sheet trade in South Wales has been omitted altogether?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Of course the great trades had to be grouped to a certain extent, because we could not set up an Advisory Committee of several hundred members. So far as I know, none of the great staple industries of the country are not represented on the Advisory Committee.

Mr. HODGE

Does the hon. Gentleman consider the iron and steel industry a staple industry, and, if so, why have they no representative on any of the Advisory Committees?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will wait until I answer a question later on.