§ 71. Mr. NEWMANasked whether management expenses under the National Insurance Act includes rent of premises occupied by an approved society; and whether, when the same premises are occupied by an organisation which conducts operations both as an approved society and as a political order, steps will be taken to secure that such political order is not subsidised out of national moneys in respect of rent of premises it may occupy?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative. The payment of a reasonable proportion of the expenditure on rent of premises occupied for joint purposes is not a subsidy; and steps will be taken to secure that no more than this reasonable proportion is paid out of the funds of the approved society.
§ Mr. NEWMANHave not the Commissioners taken action already? Why is it not done now?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe question of administrative expenses comes before the Government auditors for audit, and any item will be disallowed which is in excess of the reasonable amount for expenses which can be charged to the National Insurance Fund.