HC Deb 20 November 1911 vol 31 c815
Mr. AMERY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a cripple who may be able to earn 5s. a week by his own efforts will be entitled to disablement benefit under the Insurance Bill?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

My right hon. Friend has undertaken to reconsider upon the Report stage the definition of disablement embodied in the Bill. A definition which allows a person in receipt of benefit to supplement the benefit by his own exertions does not accord with the practice of friendly societies, involves great difficulties in administration, and is inconsistent with the calculations, deduced from the experience of the working classes, upon which the Bill is based.

Mr. AMERY

What I wish to know is whether a person who is not receiving sick benefit and who is able to earn a few shillings a week will be able to get disablement benefit?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I think I have answered that question very fully.