HC Deb 28 February 1938 vol 332 cc737-8
35. Mr. Oliver

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that unemployed persons are being deprived of their pension rights by reason of approved societies terminating their membership without giving adequate notice; and whether he will consider making it obligatory on the societies not only to give adequate notice in such cases, but also to explain to such members the means whereby membership can be retained during the period of unemployment?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernays)

In September, 1936, a circular was issued to all approved societies, instructing them that adequate notice should be given to all members whose insurance was about to terminate and that the members should be informed as to the means by which insurance could be maintained. Model forms for this purpose, copies of which together with a copy of the circular I am sending to the hon. Member, were issued to the societies, and my right hon. Friend has no reason to think that insured persons are not being fully informed of their position.

Mr. Oliver

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that approved societies are issuing these notices, which are not only inadequate, but in which there is no instruction as to how the men may continue their insurance?

Mr. Bernays

Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to have a word with me about it. With the coming into operation of the new Voluntary Pensions Scheme, my right hon. Friend will be issuing another circular, in which he will deal with this.

Mr. Logan

But is it not the case that that particular circular to which the hon. Member refers will have nothing to do with the matter about which my hon. Friend is speaking?