24. Major HOPEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether it is intended to further extend beyond 6th July, 1914, the period during which no reduction of benefits on account of arrears is made to employed contributors; and, if not, whether he can state when the Scottish Insurance Commissioners will issue regulations informing insured persons what future penalties for arrears they may be now incurring?
Mr. BENNThe Regulations to which the hon. Member refers are in the printer's hands. They allow ample time for paying up arrears of contributions, and provide that no penalty for non-payment shall take effect before November next.
§ Mr. W. THORNEBefore the next question is asked may I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the fact that there is a buzzing noise in the House, and some of us cannot hear at all?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI have made inquiries about it. I thought it was some new experiment being made by the Ventilation Committee.