§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Dr. Addison)I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a second time."
The object of this Bill is to secure for soldiers and sailors, when they pass from the Army, the benefits of insurance from the Navy or Army Insurance Fund. When a man is discharged from the service he comes automatically off the fund, and unless he can show the Commissioners, within a reasonable time, that by reason of the state of his health he is unable to enter a society, he cannot then be placed again on the fund. But the fact is that a considerable number of men on discharge, although the necessary papers are given to them, are quite unacquainted with this procedure, and do not avail themselves of it. The result is that these men drop out of insurance on the Army and Navy Fund and are not able, because of their disablement, to enter a society, and the consequence is that they disappear from sight altogether, or become deposit contributors. The object of this Bill is simply to secure that these classes of soldiers and sailors on discharge during the present War, will continue to be entitled to receive the benefits from the Army and Navy Fund 1262 while they are disabled, and in the case of a man, who, the Commissioners have reason to think, is in good health and can enter a society, notice shall be given him by the Commissioners that unless he can show to their satisfaction that on account of his health no society will take him, he will be required to enter a society. But the ordinary disabled soldier or sailor will under this Bill be secured, and will be entitled to sickness or disablement benefit out of the Army and Navy Fund after his discharge, and he will not be left in the false position in which many have found themselves up to the present. There is one other little point on this Bill we should mention. Clause 2 is limited to a single class—seamen and marines. The reason for that is that a small Act was passed during the month of September, which brought soldiers who served during the present War within the scope of Section 46 of the principal Act. These are the purposes of this short emergency measure, and I beg to move that the Bill be road a second time.
§ Mr. BOOTHI thank the hon. Member for his explanation of this measure, and I am sure that in every quarter of the House it will be welcomed. There is one point of danger which has probably not been taken into account, and that is, when a man is being required to join a society there is a possibility of a preference being given. I am not quite sure whether the Commissioners will state which societies are available, but I am sure they will be able to do that without showing any bias, and leaving the men free to make their choice.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill read a second time, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House for To-morrow.—[Mr. Gulland.]