HC Deb 26 November 1914 vol 68 cc1483-4

The requirements as to proof of state of health and to making application within the prescribed time imposed by paragraph (h) of Sub-section (3) of Section forty-six of the National Insurance Act, 1911, as conditions on which a seaman, marine, or soldier, on his discharge from service, can become entitled to benefits payable out of the Navy and Army Insurance Fund shall not apply in the case of a seaman, marine, or soldier who, on his discharge from service during or within the prescribed period after the conclusion of the present war, is certified by the Admiralty or Army Council to be suffering from any disease or disablement, or bodily or mental unfitness, but every such man shall become entitled to benefits payable out of that fund as from the date of his discharge:

Provided that if in any case the Insurance Commissioners are of opinion that the state of the man's health on discharge is not such as to disqualify him for admission to an approved society, the Commissioners may, by notice, fix a time (not being less than three months from the date of such notice; not being more than six months from the date of his discharge) at which he shall cease to be entitled to benefits out of the fund unless he satisfies them that he has been unable by reason of the state of his health to obtain admission to an approved society.

Amendment made: After the word "discharge" ["as from the date of his discharge"], insert the words "in like manner and under such regulations as aforesaid."—[Dr. Addison.]

Clause, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Bill Reported; as amended, considered.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the third time."

Mr. BOOTH

I wish to ask a question which I put on the Second Reading, namely: Whether the Commissioners have considered the method by which they will avoid any partiality being shown to any society when the people who come within the scope of this Bill return to civil life?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD Of EDUCATION (Dr. Addison)

I have consulted my right hon. Friend and I can assure the hon. Member that the Commissioners, whilst not prepared to commit themselves to details just now, will be very careful, so far as possible, to meet the wishes of the societies generally, and will certainly avoid any appearance or inclination of impartiality in any way.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read the third time, and passed.