§ Mr. SUTHERLANDasked what progress has been made in the formation of the Seamen's National Insurance Society under the National Insurance Act; whether a committee of management has been or is being formed, and if it is proposed to have representatives of Scottish fishermen on the committee; what steps have been taken to provide machinery for the enrolment of intending members; whether it is proposed to utilise for the purpose any and, if so, what agencies of Government offices, such as Customs or Revenue offices, Labour Exchanges, post offices, etc.; and whether it is intended that arrangements shall be made with local insurance committees for the administration of benefits?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)The subject to which my hon. Friend refers has been for some time engaging the attention of the Board of Trade as well as the question of the constitution of the committee of management of the Seaman's National Insurance Society. I have just appointed a Committee to advise me as to the formation of the society, and as to the preparation of its rules, and I will consider the advisability of adding to this preliminary Committee one or two persons conversant with the fishing industry, but I do not think it possible to arrange for the separate representation of Scottish fishermen. The machinery for the enrolment of members and for carrying out the work of the society generally are among the matters to be settled by the committee of management when it has been constituted.
§ Mr. WATTCan the right hon. Gentleman say when this Committee will report? Has he any idea how long its deliberations will take?
§ Mr. BUXTONI hope they will report as soon as possible, as the Act comes into force very soon.