Mr. STUARTasked the Minister of Health whether the rules of the Scottish Rural Workers' Approved Society were approved by the National Health Insurance Joint Committee; whether he is aware that the rule providing for the election of the board of management is at variance with the provisions of Section 29 of the National Health Insurance Act, and that the present members of the board of management have been elected contrary to these provisions; and what steps he proposes to take to see that the rules of the society are brought into conformity with the Act and a board of management elected in accordance therewith?
Mr. W. ADAMSONThe present code of rules of the Scottish Rural Workers' Approved Society was approved by the Scottish Board of Health on behalf of the National Health Insurance Joint Committee. As regards the second part of the question, I am informed that, doubts having arisen regarding the provisions of Rule 3 (3), which provides for the election of the Board of Management, an amendment of the Rule will be submitted to the forthcoming general meeting of the society. As regards the last part, in accordance with Section 34 of the National Health Insurance Act any amendment of the Rule must be submitted for the approval of the National Health Insurance Joint Committee and, before approval is given, the new Rule will be carefully considered in relation to Section 29 of the National Health Insurance Act.