The discussion of the same clause was continued on Wednesday,
when Mr. Lloyd George replied to his critics. He said that if there were to be approved societies they must be given the right to select their members ; and it followed that those who could not join the societies must be dealt with independently. His scheme for meeting the problem was, as it stood, only temporary and experimental. While it lasted the Post Office contributors would be better off than they were now. He was prepared to accept an amendment giving the local health committees power to extend the time during which medical and sanatorium benefit could be given to con- tributors. The deficit, if any arose in consequence of this, should be paid half out of the rates and half by the State. He could not accede to the demand that the balance to the credit of a contributor should be paid out to his representa- tives on his death, as such a proposal would destroy the friendly societies. After saying that no practical alternative to his scheme was forthcoming, Mr. Lloyd George announced that he would accept Mr. Sherwell's amendment. After some further discussion the clause was carried by 187 votes to 82. On Thursday the House considered Clause :34, which contains the provisions affecting married women. Mr. Lloyd George gave an account of the concessions which he intends to make on this point, and which we describe and discuss elsewhere. They were on the whole well received, and the clause as amended was agreed to without a division.
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