Mr. WORTHINGTON - EVANSasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will say why benefits are not paid to John Wright, of 191, Greenstead Road, Colchester, who was certified by his doctor on 27th March as incapable of work from illness and continued incapable until the 3rd May, and who on the 10th May was again certified incapable and is still incapable; of work; and whether the fact that the certificate of his private doctor, who is not a panel doctor, justifies the approved society, Lodge No. 6533 of the Manchester Unity, in withholding benefits?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am informed by the approved society that, as regards the first period referred to, the injured person neglected to obtain any medical certificate at all until he had been ill for three weeks, and that, recognising himself to be at fault, he withdrew his claim. As to the second period, I am informed that he has not yet approached the authorities of his lodge, and that they will at once consider his case when he does so. With regard to the general question raised in the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to answers which I gave on the 14th instant, and on many other occasions.