§ 17. Mr. O'GRADYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has a request from the joint committee of approved societies, representing over seven millions of insured persons under the National Insurance Act, to receive a deputation to submit their views on the proposed Bill to amend the Act; and whether, in view of the promise made in the House by the Prime Minister to listen to the views of those interested, he will agree to receive such a deputation?
§ Mr. MASTERMANAs already stated by the Prime Minister, separate representations have been received from various groups of approved societies in regard to the proposed Bill to amend the National Insurance Act. These representations express the views of approved societies of all types, and are receiving careful consideration.
§ Mr. CLYNESCan the right hon. Gentleman make any statement as to when we may expect this Amending Bill?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThat question must be addressed to the Prime Minister. I should think very shortly.
§ 47. Sir J. D. REESasked the Prime Minister whether in the Insurance Act Amendment Bill provision will be made for relieving ordinary shareholders in limited liability companies of the injustice of being compelled to pay the whole of the tax imposed by way of a levy on employers, from which preference shareholders are exempt?
§ 51. Mr. DOUGLAS HALLasked whether in the proposed National Insurance Act Amendment Bill provision will be made for the more adequate remuneration of national health insurance agents and to secure for them a rate of remuneration equal to the proportion of administrative duties performed by them?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)As I have already stated, I am not prepared to anticipate the terms of the Bill.
§ Mr. FORSTERCan the Prime Minister tell us when the Bill will be introduced?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI hope tomorrow.
§ Mr. FORSTERTo-morrow?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI hope so.
§ 50. Mr. O'GRADYasked the Prime Minister whether he has received a request from the joint committee of approved societies, representing over seven millions of persons insured under the National Insurance Act, requesting that the proposed National Insurance Amending Bill shall, when introduced, be subsequently remitted to a Committee of the Whole House; and whether there, is any reason why such request cannot be granted?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on this subject on the 16th instant.