68. Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSasked the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the circular issued by the War Office stating that only 25 per cent, of the soldiers compelled to insure have yet joined any approved society; and whether he will increase the amount allowed to approved societies for management of soldiers' insurance so as to make it possible for approved societies to take soldiers without loss?
§ Mr. MASTERMANSteps are being taken to call to the attention of soldiers who are subject to insurance the desirability of joining approved societies. I believe that most of the large societies are welcoming soldiers as members and have no evidence of any reluctance on the part of any societies to accept soldiers as members, nor have I any evidence that the amount which may be carried to the administration account of societies in respect of such members is likely to prove insufficient to meet their expenses of management.
§ Mr. BOOTHDo not many of the registered societies consider that the amount for management is quite sufficient?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI believe that is so. I believe that soldiers are joining the approved societies.