HC Deb 07 May 1914 vol 62 cc438-9
24. Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, whether he is aware that it has been the practice of the Insurance Commissioners in the past to issue new cards to approved societies two months before the date prior to which such cards must be distributed; that the Commissioners are now informing approved societies that the new cards which, following the established practice, should already have been in the bands of approved societies, will not reach them until late in May or early in June, whether he realises the consequences of this delay to approved societies in view of the fact that double the work has to be performed owing to the writing up of the new books; if he can state the reason for this delay; and whether he will see that every effort is now made to issue the cards and books to approved societies at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. W. BENN

It has been the practice to complete the distribution of the contribution cards to approved societies one month before the date the societies are required to issue them to their members. In order that there may be no delay in the issue of the cards for the ensuing half year before the 5th July, and in the preparation of the new insurance books which will be issued by societies after 5th July, arrangements have been made by the Stationery Office for the distribution of cards to be completed by the 20th May. The new insurance books will be distributed to societies as soon as possible after the date.

Mr. BATHURST

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that any delay on the part of the Commissioners in this matter involves exceptional inconvenience to the centralised societies?

Mr. W. BENN

Yes, Sir, that is quite realised.

Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANS

Is it not a fact that these cards and books are being held up because the Government do not care that the public should see what is happening in regard to arrears?

Mr. W. BENN

That is not correct.

Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANS

Does the hon. Gentleman know that these new books and cards can only be issued when the arrears regulations are published, and that those are being delayed?

Mr. W. BENN

No, Sir.