Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSasked what would be the estimated additional cost if the restrictions or benefits contained in Sub-section (7) of Clause 8 of the National Insurance Bill were respectively removed altogether or removed as regards insured persons who were members on 4th May, 1911, of a society qualified to become an approved society; and, if it is not possible to answer the latter part of the question as on the date mentioned, then as on any convenient date?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe hon. Member's suggestion would not have the effect of increasing the cost, but of increasing the deficiency to be extinguished under Clause 8 (8) by the amount of the reserve values to be credited under Clause 40 in respect of all the persons who could become insured in approved societies in consequence of the withdrawal of the restrictions to which he refers. The period of fifteen and a-half years after which the additional benefits could be given would be thereby very materially lengthened and the younger insured persons would have to bear in the form of a postponement of these additional benefits the cost of insuring the persons who are unable to pay any substantial number of contributions.