§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYasked what is the margin in respect of the sickness and disablement benefits provided by the statutory contributions under the National Insurance Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe margin contained in the premium of 7d., according to the last Report of the Government actuaries, was .42d. for men and .53d. for women. The weekly contributions for sickness and disablement benefits were given as 3.17d. for men and 2.55d. for women. Treating the margins as applicable to these benefits, therefore, they represent additions of 13 per cent, for men and 21 per cent. for women.
§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that statements have been circulated widely that the margin is only 6 per cent., and, in view of this, will he take steps to give wider circulation to the new facts which he has stated?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am endeavouring to give through the Insurance Commissioners publicity to all accurate statements. What I have given to my hon. Friend now is a statement available to everyone, because it is contained in a Report laid on the Table of this House.
§ Mr. CASSELWas that percentage arrived at on the assumption that the payment to the doctors was only 4s. 6d. per patient, and if the payment was what they ask would not the whole margin be then entirely wiped out?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe actuarial statement, as far as medical benefit was concerned, was an allowance of 6s. per head.
§ Mr. CASSELDoes not that include 1s. 6d. for drugs?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThere was no separation, I think, of drugs and doctors.