§ 43. Mr. BOOTHasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he is aware that the appointment of a Treasury Committee to examine the finance of the health insurance scheme has been received with approval by the workers generally; whether any meetings have been held; whether the matter is considered urgent; and whether the meetings will be open to the public?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the DUCHY (Mr. Montagu)The Committee was appointed in response to representations made by a comprehensive and influential deputation of approved societies of various types, and I have reason to believe that its appointment has been generally approved. The Committee has, I am informed, already held three meetings and is proceeding with its labours as expeditiously as possible. The question of opening its meetings to the public is one for determination by the Committee itself, but I understand that, following the usual practice, it is deliberating in private.
§ Mr. BOOTHWill the public be admitted only when evidence, is taken and not during the discussion, or will the evidence be printed and available for Members of the House before legislation is proposed?
§ Mr. MONTAGUA question of that kind ought to be determined by the Committee itself.