38. Mr. FREDERICK HALL (Dulwich)asked the Secretary to the Treasury if the National Health Insurance Commissioners consult, or are required to consult, the Advisory Committee in framing Regulations; if so whether that Committee has been consulted in regard to the Regulations which the Commissioners have issued from time to time; if not, if he will state what duties are performed by the Advisory Committee; and what is the estimated expenditure for 1913–14 connected with the Committee?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe Advisory Committee have been consulted freely and have rendered material assistance to the Insurance Commissioners in connection with the various sets of Regulations 1033 issued under Part I. of the National Insurance Act. They will continue to be consulted from time to time as occasion arises. Separate provision has not been made in the Estimates for expenditure in connection with this Committee. Such expenditure will be defrayed from the general subheads for travelling and subsistence allowances and incidental expenses.
Mr. F. HALLIs it not the fact that there have been great complaints in consequence of Regulations having been made by the Insurance Commissioners, irrespective of the advice tendered by the Advisory Committee?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have never heard of any complaints of the kind. I do not think any Regulations of any importance have been made until after the advice of the Advisory Committee has been received.
Mr. F. HALLHas, the right hon. Gentleman noticed the statement recently made by Lord Derby at a meeting of the Advisory Committee?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI do not remember having seen any statement of Lord Derby.