HC Deb 30 May 1912 vol 38 cc1557-8
Mr. C. BATHURST

asked whether, in the event of the formation of a domestic servants' health insurance society for England and Wales, it will be necessary, prior to its approval by the Commissioners, to state precisely in its rules or otherwise the nature and extent of the substituted alternative or additional benefits intended to meet the special requirements of this class of employed contributors based upon expert actuarial calculations, or whether the provision of such data can be deferred until after approval of the society?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Such a, society should apply for approval without waiting to frame a scheme for substituting benefits under Section 13 of the National Insurance Act. Schemes under this Section will be examined and confirmed after approval by the Society, and the exact nature and extent of the substituted benefits need not be inserted in the rules, or otherwise communicated to members, before approval. The schemes will be separately confirmed after examination, and inquiry have shown that they satisfy the requirements of the Act, namely, that the new benefits are actuarially equivalent to those for which they have been substituted, and that they are suitable to the members or classes of members affected.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Do I understand from that answer that it will be necessary in the case of such a society for the applicants to prove the actuarial justification for their becoming an approved society?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Any such society may become approved on the statement that it is prepared to offer such alternative benefits, and it will subsequently present for our consideration the tables on which it proposes to offer the benefits, and we will decide whether we regard them as actuarially sound or not.

Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Can-not the Government give some sample alternative benefits prepared by their own actuaries?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I answered that question two or three days ago.

Mr. RONALD M'NEILL

Are there any such societies in course of formation?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I think there are such societies in course of formation.