11 NOVEMBER 1911, Page 2

Tuesday's debate on the Insurance Bill was principally concerned with

Clause 36, which states the position of soldiers and sailors under the measure. Mr. Lloyd George explained the effect of the various amendments which, in consequence of helpful criticism, he intended to introduce into the clateie. The new proposals were that the soldier or sailor should pay lid. a week for insurance instead of 2d., that the Admiralty or War Office should contribute the same amount or its equivalent, and that the State should pay two-ninths Of the amount payable for the benefits. Men were to have the option of joining an approved society, and the contributions of those who joined would be paid to the societies. The Con- tributions of men who did not join would be paid into a special Navy and Army Insurance Fund. When a man left

the Service he might join any society he liked, taking with him his transfer value, or he might go on the Post Office Fund. During his service the insured would have a right to maternity benefit only ; but if discharged through ill-health he would at once be entitled to full benefits like a civilian.