HC Deb 23 March 1914 vol 60 cc20-1
39. Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANS

asked why Provisional Orders and Provisional Special Orders under the National Insurance Acts dated in October last, and presented to this House in the early part of February and then ordered to be printed, have not yet been printed?

Mr. BENN

No Provisional Orders are made by the Insurance Commissioners. Five Provisional Special Orders made and laid before the House in the periods referred to have not yet been printed, as the type which has already been set up for the Statutory Rule Volume cannot yet be released, and it is the practice of the Stationery Office to avoid double composition by using the same type for both Provisional Orders and Statutory Rules. The issue is expected to be made shortly, and in each case a copy has been available in the Library since the date of laying.

Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANS

Will the hon. Gentleman say why Orders which were made as long ago as October are not available to Members of the House except by searching in the Library?

Mr. BENN

All Orders have been made available to the persons to whom they apply, and also to Members of this House through the Library.

Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANS

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that an undertaking has been given that these Orders should be circulated amongst Members, but that they are not circulated until the time for taking objection to them has expired?

Mr. BENN

I was not aware of that undertaking.