§ 27. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that an insured person who is dissatisfied with the action of his approved society in refusing or suspending benefit has no other remedy than applying whatever procedure the rules of the society may provide for the settlement of disputes with members, and that these rules differ widely in the different societies and in some cases cannot be brought into operation until the insured person has made a deposit quite beyond the means of poor persons, especially women workers; and, if so, will he take steps to provide some simple, cheap, and uniform procedure for the settlement of such cases by impartial tribunals?
Mr. BENNSection 67 of the National Insurance Act, 1911, provides that all disputes arising under the Act between an approved society and an insured member shall be decided in accordance with the procedure provided by the rules of the society. The procedure differs considerably in the different types of societies, and in some cases a deposit is required. The Commissioners have no power to provide for the settlement of disputes as the Noble Lord suggests, without reference to the societies' own tribunals, nor to compel societies to change their present procedure.