79. Mr. F. HALLasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the number of relatives and connections of officials and prominent members of large friendly societies who have been appointed to positions under the National Health Insurance Commissions; and how many of them were appointed as the result of open competition?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI would refer the hon. Member to Cd. 6095, 6231, 6540 and 6582 as to the methods of selecting persons for the different posts under Part I. of the National Insurance Act, and the names of the persons actually appointed with their qualifications. I do not propose to ask the Commissioners to make individual inquiries of each member of their staffs as to whether or not any of his relatives is an official or prominent member of a large friendly society.
Mr. F. HALLWere not candidates informed that a knowledge of the Insurance Act and of the rules of friendly societies and a Civil Service examination were necessary? Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the question whether any applicants have obtained positions as a result of such an examination?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThat is not the question at all. The hon. Gentleman asked me if I would state the number of relatives and connections of officials and prominent members of large friendly societies who have been appointed to positions under the National Health Insurance Commissions. I do not know who their relatives are, and I do not propose to inquire.
Mr. F. HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part, as to the number appointed as the result of examination?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have referred the hon. Gentleman to three Command Papers, where he will find lull information.