51. MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked if the right hon. Gentleman will state how many prosecutions for failure to observe the provisions of the National Insurance Act there have been in Scotland, England, Wales, and Ireland, respectively?
§ Mr. MASTERMANNo prosecutions have been necessary in Wales, as every complaint, on investigation, has resulted in compliance with the Act. I gave particulars with regard to England, Scotland, and Ireland in answer to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth yesterday.
MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINEIf there have been no prosecutions in Scotland, why should there be any in England?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI think that generally the method adopted by the Commissioners is at first to make a friendly remonstrance, and in a great many cases the result is compliance with the Act.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEWhy is there to be no friendly remonstrance in England? It is notorious that in Scotland the Act is not being observed, and friendly remonstrance is no use?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThere always is a friendly remonstrance before a prosecution is resorted to. I can only answer the hon. Member's question by saying that probably the opposition in England has been more obstinate than in Scotland.