§ 71. Mr. GEORGE ROBERTSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been directed to the case reported by the relieving officer for the Attleborough district to the meeting of the Wayland guardians on the 19th May, in which it was alleged that a man, who is an insured member of the Prudential Approved Society, on becoming ill received the first week's sickness benefit of 10s., but was informed that none would be forthcoming for the second week, and only a small sum for the third week, as there was 17s. arrears (seventeen weeks at 1s. per week) due on the man's life policy, and the sick pay would have to go to pay up these arrears; and whether, in view of the provisions of the National Insurance Act, he will say what action has been taken in the matter?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am informed by the approved society referred to that the insured person in question received sickness benefit in full for the first two weeks in which it was due on the days' on which it became due, namely, the 28th April and the 5th May. On the 10th May, two days before the third week's payment was due, the local agent informed the member's wife that this payment would not be made until he had consulted his official superior. The agent disclaims any intention of withholding the benefit more than a day or two, but any such delay is altogether without the authority of the society, and contrary to their wishes, and steps have been taken to prevent its recurrence. The third week's benefit, due on the 12th May, was in fact paid on the 14th May, so that the only delay was one of two days in one week's benefit, each of the first two weeks' payments having been made on the same day as that on which it became due.
§ Mr. G. ROBERTSIs it true that this deduction from his sickness payments was made for some weeks?
§ Mr. MASTERMANAs far as I understand, there was delay because the officer was communicating with his official superiors. Otherwise I may say that very serious steps might have to be taken.
§ Mr. G. ROBERTSWere measures taken to show the Prudential Approved Society that this was not a legitimate procedure, and therefore that their agents were acting illegally?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have no doubt there were.
§ Mr. J. WARDDo I understand that the agent gave an explanation, and can we have that explanation for the delay of the payment for two or three weeks by the society?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe only explanation I obtained was that he desired to obtain confirmation from his official superiors.
§ Mr. BOOTHIs my right hon. Friend not aware that this society is second to none in the promptitude with which it pays its members?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIn fairness I must say I am aware that it does discharge its claims with very great promptitude indeed.