§ 31 and 32. Mr. Stanley Prescottasked the Minister of National Insurance (1) what sums are outstanding for payment by her Department to branches of friendly societies; and when she anticipates these liabilities will be discharged;
(2) if she is aware of the hardship experienced owing to cash balances due to friendly societies not having been paid by her Department; and what steps she will take to expedite payment.
§ Dr. SummerskillI am not aware of any sums owing by my Department to branches of friendly societies. There are a few large societies with which a final settlement awaits completion of audit, but the amounts involved are relatively small. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind, I will certainly make inquiries.
§ Mr. PrescottQuite apart from sums actually owing to friendly societies, is the Minister aware that in a great many cases money is owed to the secretaries of these societies and, in view of the fact that they are only small sums, will she take steps to meet these obligations at the earliest possible moment?
§ Dr. SummerskillCertainly I agree with the hon. Gentleman that there has to be some final settlement, and I hope it will be completed in the autumn, but if any secretary feels aggrieved, I should be glad if he will get in touch with my Department, when we will try to make him happy.