HC Deb 14 April 1913 vol 51 cc1602-3
10. Mr. WATT

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his Department openly encouraged the special medical scheme of the Scottish Clerks' Association while the medical profession were still negotiating with the Department; and on the 5th February of this year, after the negotiations with the medical profession had ended satisfactorily, withdrew, by means of the Scottish Commissioners, the approval formerly given; and, if so, what explanation can be given of this action?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. J. M. Robertson)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer. The suggestion in the first two parts of the question is without foundation; the third part does not therefore arise. As my hon. Friend was informed on the 7th inst., the special medical scheme of the Scottish Clerks' Association has at no time been approved by the Commissioners, and there is, therefore, no question of withdrawing approval.

Mr. WATT

What about the wisdom or possibility of the scheme?

Mr. ROBERTSON

I have given a number of previous answers on that point, and if the hon. Member will read them he will see that there has been some misunderstanding on the part of the society.

11. Mr. WATT

asked whether the rules of the Scottish Clerks' Association as an approved society were approved of by the several National Insurance Commissions on 7th June last; whether these rules incorporated the scheme that a non-State contribution could be made a basis of membership to the association; whether the Commissions still take that view; and, if not, at what date did they begin to alter their opinion?

Mr. ROBERTSON

Approval was given on the 7th June last to the rules of the Scottish Clerks' Association, so far as such approval was required under Sections 14 and 27 of the National Insurance Act. The rules so approved do not make it clear that a contribution towards the private side is imposed as a basis of membership for the purposes of the Act. I do not understand what change of opinion my hon. Friend is suggesting in the last parts of the question. It is proposed at an early date to issue a full statement as to the position of the Scottish Clerks' Association in relation to the National Insurance Act.