Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government proposes to hold an inquiry into industrial life assurance; and, if so, whether the following conditions will be fulfilled, viz., direct representation on the Committee of different interests, wide terms of reference, such as will bring the terms of the agents' remuneration and conditions of service within its scope, power to cross-examine witnesses, evidence by agents and collectors on behalf of individual life offices, publicity during the holding of the inquiry, and publication of the Committee's Report?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANA Committee to inquire into industrial life assurance has already been appointed, and I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 5th May to the question addressed to the Prime 2055W Minister by the Noble Lord the Member for Horsham and Worthing, in which the composition of the Committee and the terms of reference were stated. From this answer it will be seen that it has been decided not to include representatives of the agents and collectors. The Committee has decided that the inquiry shall be conducted in public when witnesses are being examined, but no person other than a member of the Committee will be allowed to cross-examine the witnesses. An opportunity will be afforded to the accredited representatives of the associations of agents and collectors to submit evidence to the Committee bearing upon the terms and conditions of service of the outdoor staff.