HC Deb 20 January 1913 vol 47 cc21-2
32. MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

asked whether, in the event of a ploughman writing to the Insurance Commissioners and asking if he is bound to pay his insurance premium, owing to the fact that many people similarly placed in his neighbourhood have not done so, it is customary to send copies of Form No. 125 (Scotland) and to ask him to act as informer and collect evidence against his friends; and, if so, whether such a task can be performed by those who are paid for the purpose?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The ploughman in question wrote a letter of complaint, asserting that a large number of persons were boasting that they would not come under the conditions of the Insurance Act and that no inspectors were taking any notice, and adding that this was unfair to loyal and law-abiding subjects. The Scottish Commissioners afforded him the opportunity, which he appeared to desire, of giving specific information as to these cases, which were unknown to the Commission.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is not a well-known fact that the farmers and ploughmen in this part of Scotland are not taking any notice of the Act, and is it not rather too much to expect a single individual ploughman to undertake the part of an unpaid or unofficial sneak among neighbouring employers and his own friends?

Mr. MASTERMAN

There is no question of an unpaid sneak; but, when a letter is received practically alleging that the inspectors are in connivance with persons to elude the Act, it is quite right the person sending it should be asked to give specific instances.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Was it not a case of a ploughman, whose employer insisted upon observing the Act, asking that he might be allowed to keep himself off as it was notorious many farmers and employers in the district were not observing the Act; and will the right hon. Gentleman lay a copy of the report upon the Table of the House?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I have seen the letter in question, and it is practically an allegation that the inspectors are conniving with certain persons in breaking the Act, and such allegations should not be made without specific instances are given.