Friendly Society Staffs

Oral Answers to Questions — National Insurance – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 8 February 1949.

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Photo of Mr Alfred Bossom Mr Alfred Bossom , Maidstone 12:00, 8 February 1949

asked the Minister of National Insurance what decision has now been reached as to the incorporation of those persons previously employed by the friendly societies in the new National Insurance Scheme.

Photo of Mr James Griffiths Mr James Griffiths , Llanelly

Arrangements for providing employment in the Ministry for friendly and approved society staffs who were engaged on the work of National Health Insurance were made in accordance with the report of the Advisory Committee which I set up to inquire into this matter. A copy of the Report is in the Library of the House. Established posts were offered to some 96 per cent. of the permanent staff who applied for transfer and in addition a large number of temporary staff have been given temporary employment.

Photo of Mr Alfred Bossom Mr Alfred Bossom , Maidstone

Can the Minister say what he will do about the others who are not employed, for there are something like 200 of them; and is he aware that Socialist candidates at the last Election, in a written pledge, agreed to the employment of these people. What will he do about those who are not being employed?

Photo of Mr James Griffiths Mr James Griffiths , Llanelly

I have nothing to do with that. In the case of persons who have not been found employment or not found suitable, there are provisions, if they are qualified, for compensation in regulations already laid before and approved by the House.

Photo of Mr Edward Fleming Mr Edward Fleming , Manchester, Withington

Are we to understand that the 4 per cent. who were not found employment under the national authority have been refused because they have been found unsuitable?

Photo of Mr James Griffiths Mr James Griffiths , Llanelly

The hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. I said 96 per cent. of them had applied.

Photo of Mr Louis Tolley Mr Louis Tolley , Kidderminster

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House the total percentage of those so displaced by the new Act who have now been given full employment?

Photo of Mr James Griffiths Mr James Griffiths , Llanelly

The number absorbed into our Ministry is about 4,700 permanent appointments and about 2,000 temporary appointments.