§ Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, if the National Health Insurance Commission, early in 1913, expressed the opinion that the crier of the Recorder's Court in 1447W Belfast was insurable under the National Insurance Act, and that the Recorder was liable to insure the crier; if the Recorder, who disputed this opinion, was informed on 6th January, 1914, that if he would appeal the Commissioners would recommend the Treasury to guarantee payment of his costs; if the Recorder thereupon made payments upon the crier's card, upon an undertaking by the Commissioners to return the payments if the Recorder succeeded in his intention; if he was informed on 6th February, 1914, that the Treasury were not in a position to guarantee the costs; if the crier's card is now greatly in arrear, by reason of the Recorder refusing to pay and the Commissioners taking no steps to have the matter settled; if the Treasury has paid the employer's part of the insurance of criers of the superior Courts out of public funds; and, if there be a distinction between criers of the Superior Courts and the County Courts, will he state on what Statute or rule it is founded?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe opinion referred to in the first part of the question has been expressed by the Irish Insurance Commissioners. I am informed that, having regard to the very small number of persons affected, the Treasury do not feel justified in sanctioning the payment from public funds of the costs of the appellant in a test case in the High Court. I would suggest that the last two parts of the question should be addressed to my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.