HC Deb 14 July 1913 vol 55 cc865-6
32. Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked the Secretary to the Treasury when the Bill for dealing with the serious state of affairs in the Highlands and Islands would be brought forward; if provision will be made for payment of travelling expenses of members of insurance committees where no possible levy would be adequate for that purpose; and if the Bill obtains a Second Reading, in view of the fact that the time of the Scottish Grand Committee is fully taken up with the Mental Deficiency and Lunacy (Scotland) Bill, will he consider taking the Committee Stage in the House?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I hope that the Bill to provide a Grant for improving the medical service in the Highlands and Islands will be introduced this week. The question of the travelling expenses of members of insurance committees is under consideration, but it would not, I am afraid, come within the scope of the Bill. The Committee stage of the Bill is clearly more suitable for discussion in the Scottish Grand Committee than in the whole House. The Bill will be very short, and, I believe, non-controversial in character.

Mr. MUNRO

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that every effort will be made to get the Bill passed this Session?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Every effort we can make will be made, and I hope we will receive the assistance of the Scottish Members.

34. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked whether under the National Insurance Act, as it is proposed to be amended by the Government, it is their intention that every member, whatever his age, who was previous to 15th July, 1912, on the books of a friendly society which becomes an approved society, and who is not insured under the Act, shall receive the State Grant of 2s. 6d.?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Perth on Thursday last.

50. Mr. CASSEL

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the number of persons affected and to the varied and diversified effects of the National Insurance Act, 1911, in different constituencies and upon different classes of persons, he will grant a second day for the discussion on the Second Reading of the National insurance Act (1911) Amendment Bill?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

No, Sir, I am not prepared to give a second day.

51. Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

asked whether, in view of the time likely to be taken by the proceedings on the private Bill on Tuesday, whether further time will be given for the Second Reading of the National Insurance Act (1911) Amendment Bill?

The PRIME MINISTER

I understand that the private Bill referred to is postponed.