§ Mr. BUTCHERasked whether the weekly payments called disablement benefit will be payable only to those insured persons who are for the time being completely disabled and unable to earn any wages; and whether any disablement benefit will be payable to an insured person who through advancing age, enfeebled health, or other causes is unable to earn wages except such as are insufficient to provide for his maintenance.
Mr. McKINNON WOODPerhaps I may be permitted to refer the hon. and learned Member to the Debate on Clause 8 (1) (c) in Committee, in the course of which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer explained that the intention was to follow the existing practice of friendly societies, and promised to accept an Amendment on report to make this clear.
§ Mr. BUTCHERWould it not be for the convenience of the House if the right hon. Gentleman gave the original answer to the question.
§ Mr. AMERYWould it not be simpler if we were informed that there would not be any invalidity pension under this Bill?
§ Mr. BUTCHERAm I right in supposing that there would be no disablement benefit unless the insured person is unable to earn wages?
§ Mr. BUTCHERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these answers by reference on matters of great public importance are exceedingly unsatisfactory?