HC Deb 16 October 1912 vol 42 cc1231-2
44. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state what sort of inquiry, if any, the National Insurance Commissioners made before approving the National Standard, Law Integrity, City County, and General Insurance Society, the promoters of which have been and are connected with companies in liquidation or in financial difficulties; whether he will state the names of those promoters connected with the Irish Provident, the National Standard, the Law Integrity, and the City and County, respectively; and whether the approval has been, or will be, revoked?

Mr. BOOTH

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question I should like to ask whether this question is not calculated to damage an independent society formed to carry out the Act of Parliament; whether the secretary is not a distinguished friendly society official who has been at the head of the Ancient Order of Druids; and whether any harm will ensue to working people who will have to go to the Post Office and lose the benefits of the Act?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The Insurance Commissioners did not, before approving the society in question, make inquiry as to the antecedents of the persons by whom the application for approval was made. Of the eight persons who signed the form of application, three—namely, F. C. Norman, J. A. Joseph, and B. E. Adams—are now or were at some time connected with one or more of the companies referred to in the question. A new set of officers and a new committee of management has, however, since been elected by the vote of the members, and none of the officers or committee so elected is a director or responsible officer of any of the companies.

64. Mr. TYSON WILSON

asked whether the firm of Hamley Brothers, Regent Street, are compelling all new employés to state the name of their approved society; that all the employés have been informed that the firm will require to inspect their insurance books; whether, in view of the number of complaints that have been made, the National Insurance Commissioners have yet decided what steps to take to prevent these abuses; and, if so, whether such action will be taken in the case referred to?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Mr. Hamley informed the inspector that he is complying with the provisions of the Act, but that he reserves the right of inquiring of applicants for a vacancy in his employment to what approved society they belong. The Commissioners have no power to take any action in the matter.