75. Mr. F. HALLasked the Secretary to the Treasury if members of approved societies have any, and, if so, what remedy when sickness benefit is withheld from them; if a society accepts an insured person on receiving evidence that he is duly employed, is it justified in withholding sickness or other benefit after he has made 1667 the requisite number of contributions and to expel him from the society; and, if so, whether the man is entitled to the return of his contributions in order that he may become a Post Office contributor?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)Section 67 of the Act provides that any member of an approved society who is dissatisfied with a decision of the society terminating his membership has a right to appeal, first to the tribunal appointed under the rules of the society for the settlement of disputes, and then, subject to the regulations made under the Act, to the Commissioners. I am not sure whether the hon. Member has a particular case in mind. If he has, I shall be glad to make inquiry if he so desires
Mr. F. HALLMay I ask whether in the case referred to in this question the insured person is entitled to have a refund of his contributions, or, on the other hand, whether he will he accepted as a Post Office contributor; and further I may add I have a special case for the right hon. Gentleman to deal with?
Mr. F. HALLSupposing, for instance, the man made an application to be admitted as a member of a society would he have his contributions refunded?
§ Mr. MASTERMANHe can always leave the society at transfer value, and either join another society when that transfer value will be placed to his credit, or become a deposit contributor.
§ Mr. SPEAKERPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will have an interview with the Minister in the Lobby.