Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, when it is proposed, in accordance with a statement recently issued by the Insurance Commissioners, to ask Parliament to vote a sum of money in the current financial year to assist insured persons in the payment of their penalty arrears which are due to genuine unemployment; if it is proposed to entrust to approved societies the distribution of any such Grants, the selection of the cases to be assisted resting with the societies themselves; and if any guidance will be given to the societies as to the grounds on which such cases should be chosen?
Mr. BENNI would refer the hon. Member to the note appended to the Supplementary Estimate, in which provision is made for a Grant for this purpose. A full statement will be issued for the guidance of approved societies immediately.