§ Viscount WOLMERasked whether a man at present normally earning £1 a week, who belongs to three friendly societies, so that when ill he receives 30s. a week, would under Clause 27 of the National Insurance Bill only receive £1 a week during sickness; and, if so, would he be entitled to claim the return of some of his payments made in the past?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEIn the case described the man would not be entitled to any sick pay under the National Insurance which would bring his total receipts during sickness above £1 a week. He would not be entitled to a return of contributions on this account.
§ Viscount WOLMERAm I to understand that ho would be entitled to the privileges for which he had paid himself, but would receive no assistance from the State or from his firm?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe State makes provision for persons who would otherwise be distressed owing to sickness or unemployment. If the provision is so adequate as this it is obviously undesirable that the contributions of the State should be used for the purpose of encouraging malingering.
§ Viscount WOLMERAm I to understand that a man's benefit which he has paid for himself in the old society will not be interfered with? Will he still be allowed to receive the benefits he has been paying for in the past?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEWe do not interfere at all with the other societies. It is a matter for him and the other societies. We have only to deal with the funds raised under the Bill to which we contribute.