61. Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSasked whether a divisional inspector appointed under the National Insurance Act procured evidence in certain cases against farmers suspected of having failed to 805 stamp insurance cards by treating their labourers to beer in public-houses; and whether the cost of the beer so given is included in the travelling and other expenses allowed to inspectors, or forms a separate item in the administration expenses of the National Insurance Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIn a report of an insurance prosecution I am informed that a divisional inspector making inquiries in a public-house gave 1s. to provide refreshment for those present. This sum came out of his own pocket, and not from public or insurance funds.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSHas the right hon. Gentleman taken no steps to prevent evidence being got by treating?
§ Mr. MASTERMANNo evidence has been got by treating. The one inspector has been told that this is undesirable.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSHas the right hon. Gentleman seen a report of the case in which one witness admitted that he had had ten or twelve glasses of beer before he signed his statement, and another admitted he had had a "tidy lot" of beer before he signed his statement?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI doubt if all that came out of the shilling.
§ Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANSHas the right hon. Gentleman seen a report of the case; does he think the report is wrong, or does he consider that his information as to the shilling is wrong?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have seen no report of the case. This is information furnished to me by the Insurance Commissioners.