HC Deb 18 June 1913 vol 54 cc377-8
60 and 61. Mr. CASSEL

asked the Secretary to the Treasury (1) why the representatives of approved societies have been excluded from the members of the committee entitled to vote at meetings to appoint the person or persons to represent deposit contributors; whether the person or persons so appointed under the Regulations need be a deposit contributor or contributors; whether the deposit contributors need in any way be consulted with reference to such appointment; why the Regulations have not been made in accordance with Section 59 (2) (a) of the National Insurance Act, 1911, so as to secure representation of deposit contributors; and (2) whether associations of deposit contributors have been formed in any, and, if so, what counties or county boroughs; and whether the time allowed by the provisional Regulations as to the election of representatives upon insurance committees has been found insufficient for the formation of such associations and the presentation of schemes?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I propose to take Questions 60 and 61 together. An association of deposit contributors can be formed at any time, but in order that an association might take part in the present election the scheme for its formation had to be submitted before 2nd June, which was the latest practicable date. One such scheme has been submitted. Where associations do not exist, the power of appointing the representatives of deposit contributors rests with those of the existing members of the insurance committee who remain in office, but casual vacancies occurring subsequently will be filled by appointments made by the whole committee. The Regulations have been made in strict accordance with the provisions of Section 59, which, as the hon. Member will see, does not require that the representatives of deposit contributors should themselves be deposit contributors

Mr. CASSEL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that rural deposit contributors in no sense had any opportunity of appointing representatives, and that the time allowed them to join an association is wholly inadequate?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The committees have to be elected by 15th July. The deposit contributors in most cases are a small and diminishing number.

Mr. CASSEL

Does the Act not say that they have a right to representation?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Yes, if they form such a society they have a right to representation, but we cannot delay the appointment of the committees.

Mr. BOOTH

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether one association of these deposit contributors has been formed, and in what part of the country?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I am afraid I must ask for notice of that question.