§ 17. Mr. COUPERasked the Minister of Health how many voluntary contributors have become insured under the widows', orphans' and contributory old age pension scheme; and whether it is proposed to extend the period beyond the 4th July on which the scheme will be open for the admission of voluntary insured persons?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe number of voluntary contributors under the contributory pensions scheme cannot be stated until returns are received from the approved societies after the end of the current half-year. The Regulations enable me in special circumstances to extend the time for taking up voluntary insurance to a date not later than the 2nd January, 1927, and this power will be exercised in suitable cases.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIs there any lack of co-ordination between the right hon. Gentleman's Department and certain approved societies with regard to these applications?