HC Deb 05 December 1912 vol 44 cc2483-4
56. Mr. LANE-FOX

asked whether, under the National Insurance Act, a blacksmith, on payment of 4s. 8d. contribution, can obtain benefits of the value of £200?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Yes, Sir, a blacksmith or any other insured person suffering from tuberculosis could be recommended by an insurance committee for sanatorium treatment, the cost of which might involve an expenditure reaching to £200, even though the amount of contributions paid by or in respect of the insured person before the date of his illness did not exceed 4s. 8d.

Mr. LANE-FOX

Is that a case which could honestly be put as a typical case under the Insurance Act?

Mr. MASTERMAN

It is a case which actually occurred, and it is a very remarkable one.

Mr. LANE-FOX

But is it a fair case to he quoted as typical, or is it exceptional?

Mr. MASTERMAN

It is a true case and a perfectly fair one, and I have no means for suggesting that it is a unique case receiving benefit. The recommendation for sanatorium benefit will continue so long as the patient is receiving benefit from the sanatorium.

Mr. JONATHAN SAMUEL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is possible under the Insurance Act for an insured person, say age twenty-one, after being insured for two years and paid £l 14s. 8d. in premium, to draw in benefits £617 10s.?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Yes. That is one of the beneficent results of national insurance.