HC Deb 17 January 1918 vol 101 c497
85. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Minister of Labour whether the proposals for the payment of a war bonus to insurance agents have yet been settled; and, if so, will he state the amount to be paid, and from what date?

86. Mr. STANTON

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the dissatisfaction and unrest among the assurance agents of South Wales concerning their demand for a war bonus of 30 per cent.; will he say what the committee of inquiry are doing in the matter; when it is likely that the assurance agents will get an answer and will his Department see that the case of these men is fairly considered before a strike takes place?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Bridgeman)

As the hon. Gentlemen have been informed, the representatives both of the companies and societies and of the agents whom the Minister of Labour consulted agreed to a committee being appointed to inquire and report whether the financial position of the respective companies and collecting societies, together with their commitments, will permit of a war bonus being granted.

My right hon. Friend has therefore appointed the following gentlemen to a committee of inquiry:

The Right Hon. Sir Walter Phillimore (Chairman).

Mr. Fred J. Young, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Mr. Samuel G Warner, President. of the Institute of Actuaries.

I can assure the hon. Gentlemen that there will be no avoidable delay in the matter.