176 
MAJORITY REPORT. 
rr 
400. It is not, we understand, possible to say in what pro- 
portions deposit contributors fall into these classes but the first 
class is the most numerous. The Ministry of Health informed us 
(App. I, A. 100) that ‘* a majority of deposit contributors are in 
good health and would have no difficulty in joining a Society.” 
We were also informed by the Scottish Board of Health (App. II, 
A. 98) that ** an investigation of a sample of deposit contributors 
in Scotland disclosed that only 8 per cent. had been refused 
admission by Societies and that more than two-thirds had failed to 
join Societies by reason of neglect or ignorance.” Contrary to 
original expectations, it is clear, therefore, that the class is not 
made up almost entirely of ‘‘ bad lives,” and that so far as 
health is concerned the majority are eligible for Society member- 
ship. The fact that certain Societies have offered to take over 
the whole of the deposit contributors and that other Societies 
have pressed for allocation of the whole of the deposit contributor 
class among Societies, confirms this view. 
401. We are informed (Ministry of Health, App. I, A, 97, 
Kinnear, Q. 384) that though not engaging in direct propaganda 
among deposit contributors, the Department make use of every 
reasonable opportunity of impressing on them the desirability in 
their own interests of seeking admission to a Society. Thus, 
a reasoned explanation and exhortation is given first place in the 
leaflet of instructions sent to every deposit contributor; all con- 
tribution cards issued at Post Offices have a note on the subject ; 
and advice to join a Society is printed on every Record Card 
issued to a deposit contributor. 
402. It has to be borne in mind that, while the payment 
of contributions is compulsory, the further steps to be taken, e.g., 
the choice of an Approved Society and the making of an applica- 
tion for membership, call for voluntary action on the part of 
the insured person. Not all insured persons are able or willing 
to take the necessary steps within any time which may be 
officially prescribed, though they may have no objection to the 
underlying principle. They become deposit contributors for a 
time. but afterwards choose and join Societies. 
PoINTS FROM THE EVIDENCE. 
403. The evidence which has been placed before us indicates 
the difficulty of the problem, and suggests varying solutions. 
For example, the Hearts of Oak Benefit Society suggest 
(App. IV, 89-107; Q. 2926-3025) the abolition of the class 
and compulsory allocation among Societies. The National 
Conference of Industrial Assurance Approved Societies (App. VI, 
14; Q. 4874-4892, 4908-4909) would abolish the class and allocate 
members to Societies with increased reserve values for impaired 
lives. They would, however, offer no objection to the institu- 
tion of a State Society. The Ancient Order of Foresters