HC Deb 19 December 1912 vol 45 cc1695-6W
Mr. DUNCAN MILLAR

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the expenditure to be incurred by the district committees referred to in Section 4 of the Regulations issued by the Insurance Commissioners as to the constitution, powers, and duties of district insurance committees on 22nd November includes the travelling expenses of members of district committees; and, if not, whether he will consider as to making provision for payment of such expenses in the case of district committees as in the case of insurance committees?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am advised that the Act does not authorise the payment of travelling expenses in the case of members of district insurance committees, and I hope that the areas of these committees will generally be so arranged as to render it unnecessary for the members to incur travelling expenses.

Mr. DUNCAN MILLAR

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Insurance Commissioners have had under their consideration the difference in the cost of administration which the insurance committees, under the National Insurance Act, have to face in the case of large county areas, as compared with large burghal areas; and whether, having regard to the cost of administration in county areas and the additional expenditure which the establishment of district committees in such areas will involve, the Commissioners will consider as to a differentiation of rate for administrative purposes according to the character of the area, and as to fixing a higher rate for administrative purposes in the case of insurance committees in large county areas?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I am not sure that the cost of administration need necessarily be higher in the case of county commit-have been received by the National Insur-for this purpose could hardly be suggested until actual experience of administration in different areas is available.