§ 118. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that certain delays have been alleged to occur in the receipt of sickness benefit by insured persons; whether any inquiry has been made into such cases; what is the cause of such delays; and whether any warnings or orders can be given to prevent their repetition?
§ Mr. MASTERMANA certain number of cases of delay in the payment of sickness benefit have been brought to my notice, and inquiries have been made with a view to preventing any recurrence. It could hardly be expected, of course, that 23,500 societies and branches would commence their new work of paying benefits under the Act to members of societies without a few cases of delay occurring in the first few weeks. I believe, however, that such cases are exceptional and temporary, and that approved societies are fully recognising the importance of securing prompt payment.
§ Mr. KINGAre not they generally due to men leaving one place and going to another without notifying the society of the change of address?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI think that that is very largely the case, and that they are also due to the newness of the Act taken in connection with the large number of persons who have to be dealt with. I do not anticipate that it will last.