§ 33. Mr. WILKIEasked whether certain assurance companies and societies approved under the National Insurance Act, are sweating their agents in their desire to show surplus funds at the time of valuation; that of the 3s. 8d. per member allowed for administrative purposes at least 1s. 2d. per member is being kept in reserve for the purpose of extended benefits to members; and whether the Insurance Commissioners can take any action calculated to secure better conditions for the men who are actively engaged in working the Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe Commissioners have no power to interfere in the rates of remuneration paid to agents for such work as they do for the National Insurance Act in addition to their normal work, as this is a matter to be settled between themselves and the societies employing them.
§ Mr. WILKIEWill the right hon. Gentleman urge the Insurance Commissioners to use their influence to induce any insurance company or society to give their agents who are working the Act a fairer remuneration for their services?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI do not think the Act gives me any power to investigate what is paid by the trade unions, friendly societies, or industrial companies to their servants for insurance work. That is not contemplated by the Act.
§ Mr. JAMES HOGGEIs the right hon. Gentleman empowered to pay 3s. 8d. for administrative purposes and not to have any command over it?
§ Mr. MASTERMANWhatever sum is settled for administrative purposes must come under the Government audit.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDIs it not a fact that approved societies hare transferred to other societies a definite sum to cover all administrative expenses, whether or not that sum is more than required?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have no knowledge of that.