§ 36. Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been called to a married woman giving birth to triplets; and if he can state whether a married woman giving birth to triplets will receive £4 10s. maternity benefit under the National Insurance Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe answer to both parts of the question is in the negative. Maternity benefit is payable in respect of a confinement, not in respect of the number of children born.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a case of this kind the woman is put to a great deal more expense, and will he advise the Commissioners to make some extra allowance?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe Commissioners have no power in the matter, however 804 sympathetic they may be. They have to carry out the decisions of Parliament.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of seeking powers to make a contribution of this kind?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThat is another point. I should like to have notice of the question.