61. Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSasked if the right hon. Gentleman will state how many insured persons have chosen the Seamen's and Firemen's Union as their approved society; and whether a similar arrangement for medical benefit will be sanctioned for their society as has been sanctioned for the Seamen's National Insurance Society?
§ Mr. MASTERMANAccording to the latest information in the possession of the Commissioners the number of insured persons in the Seamen's and Firemen's Union is about 22,000. The Seamen's National Insurance Society, as the hon. Member will be aware, is managed by a committee constituted in accordance with a scheme prepared by the Board of Trade, with the approval of the Insurance Commissioners, and comprising representatives of the Board of Trade, of shipowners, and of members of the society; and the special provisions which apply to this society, under Section 48 (12) of the Act, cannot be extended to other societies.