HC Deb 25 November 1912 vol 44 cc802-3
35. Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, whether approved societies can put the member's number on the card before issuing the card to the member?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)

Sanction to this change has been very strongly pressed for by representatives of approved societies. The Commissioners have been reluctant to permit such an arrangement on account of the fear that any marks on the cards might be used for the identification by employers of the particular societies to which individual employés belonged. I am, however, communicating with the approved societies to see if this objection is insuperable.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in case of a levy employers are in duty bound to know what society a man belongs to?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I am not aware of that.

37. Mr. LARDNER

asked what the results were in proceedings brought in Ireland against persons who failed to carry out the provisions of the National Insurance Act; in how many cases where fines were imposed did resisters who were prosecuted refuse to pay the fine; and whether any of these persons have gone to prison?

62. Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

also asked in how many cases of prosecutions for failure to stamp insurance cards under the National Insurance Act fines have been inflicted; what is the aggregate amount of such fines and what is the aggregate amount actually paid in respect of such fines; and how much has been paid to the Insurance Commissioners in respect of arrears of contributions for the non-payment of which convictions have been obtained?

Mr. MASTERMAN

As regards England fines have been inflicted in twenty-one cases for refusal to stamp health insurance cards; they amount in all to £92 5s. 6d., exclusive of costs, and £1 17s. 2d. arrears of contributions have been paid in connection with these prosecutions. Fines have been imposed in three other cases in connection with the National Insurance Act in Ireland. In several other cases the proceedings have not yet been concluded. I have no information as to payment of fines imposed by the Courts.

Mr. LARDNER

May I ask if it is the fact that in the majority of the cases action was rendered necessary by the operation of a certain society in Ireland?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I have no information.

Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANS

How much of the £92 has been received?

Mr. MASTERMAN

We have nothing to do with the fines.