51. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Prime Minister whether he has received a resolution from the Fraternal Association of Assurance Officers protesting against the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1914, as it affects industrial assurance companies and associations; and whether he will arrange to meet a deputation of these officers to discuss the Act, as its operation affects them?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The working of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1914, as it affects industrial assurance, has been the subject of many representations to the Government since the Act was passed in August last, but these representations are not all to the same effect; while insurance managers represent that the Act should not apply to industrial assurance, insurance agents urge the Government to preserve the Act intact and even to extend its application. In these circumstances, it will be best to leave the Act as it is at present, until the actual effects of its working are more clearly ascertained by experience.