HC Deb 12 July 1911 vol 28 cc364-5
Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY

On a point of Order. I wish to point out that I had on the Paper a question yesterday addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and in the ordinary course I should have received a reply this morning. I have received neither a reply nor a notification of its postponement. May I ask why?

Mr. SPEAKER

The lion. Member had better ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY

I will now put the question to the right hon. Gentleman. It is if he can say, in the case of an agricultural labourer, an insured person receiving 9s. a week with board from his employer, but not lodging, what will be the amount of sickness benefit per week he will be entitled to for the first thirteen weeks of his illness?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

It will depend on the value of the board. I should like some sort of estimate of that value before I can answer the question.

Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY

On what basis is it intended that the value of the board shall be calculated? If the right hon. Gentleman cannot answer that will the right hon. Gentleman see that before the Bill passes into law the basis shall be established?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I do not think a universal basis can be established. It depends on the standard of living in the particular part of the country. The value of board is higher in some districts than in others, and that must be left largely to the judgment of the authorities in the particular district to decide what the standard of life is.

Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY

Will the calculation have to be made by regulation by the Insurance Commissioners or by the local health committee or by the friendly societies?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The hon. Member had better give notice of that question.