The introduction of Mr. Lloyd George's Insurance Bill seems to
have given a fillip to the eause of compulsory insur- ance in Switzerland. The Times correspondent at Berne tells us that the Swiss Bill, after having been before Parliament for eleven years, has just been passed by both Houses—by the Upper House unanimously and by 136 votes to 12 by the Lower House. He recalls that a Bill for the same object was submitted to a Referendum in May, 1900, and was rejected by a large majority. Since then the Bill has been entirely re- cast. It is possible, we are told, that the people may demand another Referendum on the Bill before it becomes law. Local opinion seems to consider that should a Referendum be taken, it will now be favourable. Though we do not ask that the passage of insurance legislation should be as slow here as in Switzerland, we are bound to say that we think we may well copy a part of the procedure of the Republic. The measure seems to us one which ought to be submitted to the people before it is finally adopted. Since it concerns the life of the people so closely they ought to be given the right to veto if such is their desire. The need for such a reference appears to us very greatly increased by Mr. Lloyd George's demand for precipitate action by Parliament.
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