HC Deb 12 July 1910 vol 19 cc198-9
Mr. JAMES HOPE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis he estimates that 15,000,000 persons will benefit from the proposals of the Government with regard to unemployment and invalidity insurance?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

On the basis of the 1901 Census, with due allowance for the growth of population since that date.

Mr. WILLIAM REDMOND

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea what the amount of the Government contribution will be in the first year?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I am not sure that it would be desirable to go into that until the claim is submitted as a whole to the House of Commons.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

How many of the 15,000,000 will benefit from the unemployment on the average, and how many from the invalidity?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I would rather have the question put. I have the figures, and will supply the hon. Member with them, but I should not like to give them from memory.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Does this estimate include or exclude the members of registered friendly societies as regards invalidity?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

It certainly includes members of registered friendly societies, and my hope is that we shall be able to work through the friendly societies.

Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Would the right hon. Gentleman at the same time give information as to the amount of the contribution where asked for from those who can be insured?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Certainly. That is an essential part of the scheme. The scheme of the Government is a contributory one, and we will certainly indicate the amount of the contribution we expect from the members.

Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the information at the same time he gives my hon. Friend the information he promised?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

It is not desirable at this stage. For one reason I hope for more consultations with the friendly societies, and other societies which are interested. It is very important that we should carry them along with us in whatever scheme we adopt. Their actuaries have not examined the proposals, and the Government actuaries have, and I should not like to say anything until I know their views.