HC Deb 12 February 1914 vol 58 cc320-1
46. Mr. CASSEL

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have yet come to any decision as to transferring the administration of health insurance to some Department other than the Treasury?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

It is proposed that the arrangement under which the Financial Secretary to the Treasury has also been Chairman of the National Health Insurance Joint Commission should cease, and that the latter appointment should be held by a Minister of Cabinet rank.

Mr. CASSEL

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the Chancellor of the Duchy will be responsible to this House for matters relating to the Insurance Act, and whether, in the interval, he will himself be responsible to the Treasury?

Mr. HARRY LAWSON

May I ask the Prime Minister whether the duties are to be permanently attached to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster?

The PRIME MINISTER

I will not say that. We will try the experiment.