HC Deb 29 June 1911 vol 27 cc567-8
Mr. CASSEL

asked what is the average number of days of sickness or invalidity under the German insurance law in the last year for which the figures are published, and what is the average number of days allowed for in the actuarial calculations under the National Insurance Bill; and whether the average number of days of sickness and invalidity under the German law has shown any tendency to increase, and, if so, at what rate?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The average number of days' sickness recorded for persons insured under the German Sickness Insurance Law in 1908 (the latest year for which complete returns have been published) was eight and a-half. As compared with 1904, when sickness benefits were extended from thirteen to twenty-six weeks, there was in 1908 an increase of about half a day per head of all persons insured. These figures cannot be used without qualification for comparative purposes, inasmuch as many of the German sickness funds exercise their right to grant sickness benefits up to fifty-two weeks. No record is kept of the duration of sickness or disablement continuing beyond the period for which the sickness funds are liable. The numbers of days' sickness assumed by the actuaries at each age separately for the purposes of their calculations for the National Insurance Bill is shown on page 40 of their report. The average number per head of persons of all ages insured would require a fresh calculation.

Mr. CASSEL

Do the figures the right hon. Gentleman gave for Germany include invalidity as well as sickness or sickness only?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Will the hon. and learned Member put down that question. I am not quite sure on that point.

Mr. BOOTH

May I ask whether these figures show that the amount paid for sickness in Germany is on the increase pro rata?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

As I pointed out in the answer I gave to the hon. and learned Gentleman, it is very difficult to arrive at an estimate for comparative periods because there have been changes from time to time in the character and extent of the sickness arrangements under the German law. It is very difficult to arrive at any definite conclusion.