§ 66. Mr. COWANasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that insured persons being members of approved societies (without local branches authorised to pay benefits directly) have frequently to incur charges amounting to 3d. or 4d. in postage before they can obtain the sums they are entitled to under the Act; and whether steps can be taken by the Insurance Commissioners to remove this hardship and also to obviate the delay in payment of benefits which frequently arises in such cases?
Mr. BENNApart from circumstances of exceptional difficulty, which might in a particular case involve correspondence, my right hon. Friend knows of no reason why insured persons should incur such charges as are referred to in the question. Ordinarily the cost of posting benefit is payable by the society as part of the expenses of administering the benefit.