HC Deb 05 February 1913 vol 47 cc2185-6
42. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked whether the Government propose to introduce a Bill amending the National Insurance Act at an early date; whether a list of necessary amendments is now being prepared by the Insurance Commissioners; and whether an opportunity will be given to the Opposition to suggest amendments before any such Bill is introduced?

Mr. MASTERMAN

If and when experience shows that amendment of any details of the Insurance Act are desirable, legislation embodying such amendments will undoubtedly be introduced. The Commissioners will be glad to receive at any time and from any quarter any suggestions for possible improvement. Criticism up to the present, however, has been singularly barren in constructive suggestions.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration in any future amendment of the Act the advisability of unifying the commissions and having one commission for the whole of the United Kingdom?

Mr. MASTERMAN

That is quite a possible amendment, but my own opinion is that the creation of four separate commissions was fully justified.