§ Mr. BOOTHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to a statement at a meeting of delegates of the Hearts of Oak Society that the Government were reconsidering their position on the question of granting sick benefits under the Insurance Bill from the first day of sickness; and, seeing that such a change would endanger the finances of any approved society, and that the friendly societies could usefully supplement the benefits under the Bill by voluntarily adding such as met a public want, if he will say if the funds set free by the Bill would be ample to grant such a benefit as the one aforesaid, and many other benefits to be decided upon by the members of the various friendly societies?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI am aware of no reason for departing from the position taken up by His Majesty's Government when this question was before the House. I think the funds of friendly societies set free by the operation of the Bill should be ample to enable them not only to give sick pay from the first day to their existing members, but in most cases also to continue any other privileges which are not included in the minimum benefits, but which are at present enjoyed by their members.
§ Mr. SNOWDENAm I to assume from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that he does not accept the statement in the hon. Member's question that the change would endanger the finances of any approved society?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGENo.
§ Mr. SNOWDENDid not the right hon. Gentleman say that the finances of an approved society would be quite ample to give this additional benefit?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThey can only grant the additional benefits if on valuation at the end of three years they find there is a surplus.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYWhat about the alternative benefits promised to take the place of the payment for the first three days?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThat is a totally different thing. I agree that there should be certain benefits in substitution of these three days, but even after allowing for that I agree there will be a very considerable surplus for this purpose.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYHave the Government closed their mind on that point? Are they quite satisfied that the alternative measure will satisfy the societies?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEYou have to take a wider view than that. If the societies are not satisfied they can use the money for that purpose if they like.