HC Deb 22 June 1916 vol 83 cc327-8
17. Mr. CURRIE

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether he can say what kind or form of bankruptcy was considered by the Investigation Committee which led it to report that bankruptcy in the strict sense of the term cannot overtake approved societies; and whether his attention has been drawn to the Commissioners' statement that it is clear that a number of societies will, under the existing law, inevitably find themselves in deficiency on a valuation probably in some instances to a serious extent; and whether he is prepared to advise intending contributors, anxious to make a wise selection of a society, which societies should be avoided as so characterised?

The COMPTROLLER of the HOUSE-HOLD (Mr. C. Roberts)

As regards the first part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the explanation contained in paragraph 17 of the Interim Report of the Committee. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative, but I would refer to the remedies recommended by the Committee to meet the consequences of divergencies of experience which are unavoidable under the present system of free choice of society. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.