§ 13 and 14. Sir ARTHUR GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENasked (1) how many cards for voluntary contributors were issued in the first and second quarters since the commencement of the National Insurance Act, and how many of such cards have been returned; and (2) what was the number of voluntary contributors under the National Insurance Act expected by the Government, and how many have in fact joined to the latest available date?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe actuaries estimated that 829,000 persons would join approved societies as voluntary contributors. This estimate was, as they pointed out, necessarily very conjectural, as the actual numbers depend upon the exercise of individual options. Six hundred and sixty-one thousand first quarter's and 249,000 second quarter's cards were issued to societies for distribution. The number of voluntary contributors who 1770 joined during the first quarter, based upon the number of cards of that quarter returned, is about 25,000. The second quarter's cards are still in the hands of societies, and I have no exact figures. For the third quarter two hundred thousand cards have been applied for.
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENWould the right hon. Gentleman tell me what was the total number of people eligible to become voluntary contributors?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am afraid I cannot say whether or not I have an estimate: if the hon. Gentleman gives me notice I will try and supply the figures.