MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked what percentage the number of men discharged for tuberculosis during the last three years from the Regular Army at home and abroad bears to the total number of men serving in the Army during these three years, taking each year separately?
§ Colonel SEELYThe figures are as follows:—
Average annual strength. No. of cases discharged. Percentage. 1908 … 223,744 … 306 … .14 1909 … 231,316 … 339 … .15 1910 … 230,500 … 285 … .12
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEAm I correct in assuming that of soldiers actually serving over 99 per cent. will get no 524 benefit under the tuberculosis clause, and that over 90 per cent. will not get maternity benefit, that is to say, that on an average only five in a hundred can ever hope to get any return for their contributions, and all will have to go on paying the 7d. a day for hospital stoppage?
§ Colonel SEELYThat would be a most erroneous conclusion to draw. I think the soldiers have been most generously treated under the insurance scheme in comparison with the rest of the population. This is an insurance scheme.
MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINEWhat single thing will the soldier get if he does not get tuberculosis or maternity benefit?
§ Colonel SEELYIt is not a matter I can discuss now. It was discussed in the debate during the greater part of which the Noble Lord was not present. I cannot go into the merits of the whole question of deferred insurance.