§ 8. Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYasked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, if he will inquire into the case of Mr. Digby, of Booking, Essex, who, whilst following his employment at Ashley Adkins Mill in that town fell, by reason of faintness due to natural causes, from his loom whilst at work and was unable to work afterwards for several weeks; and whether the Insurance Commissioners have communicated with the Order of Druids Society, in which Mr. Digby was insured, with a view to their paying benefit for the time the assured was unable to work?
§ Mr. W. BENNThe Commissioners have communicated with the approved society who state that the case appears to them to be one for compensation and not for the payment of sickness benefit. The Commissioners have no power to pronounce upon a case of this kind unless it is brought before them for judicial decision on formal appeal by the insured person.
§ Sir F. FLANNERYAm I to understand that if an insured person applies direct to the Insurance Commissioners they will inquire as between himself and the friendly society?
§ Mr. BENNNo, Sir; the insured person should first have the question decided according to the rules of the society, and then, if dissatisfied, should make an appeal to the Commissioners?