25 Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is the annual amount released by the postponement of the redemption of the reserve values from 18¼ to 20 years; (2) what amount it is estimated it will cost in the first and subsequent years to adopt the Amendment proposed in Clause 6 of the National Insurance Act (1911) Amendment Bill relating to discontinuous periods of sickness; how much thereof it is expected will fall on the funds of the approved societies, and how much on moneys provided by Parliament; (3) what it is estimated it will cost in the first and subsequent years to extend the grant of 2s. 6d. per member per annum for medical benefit to insured persons over 65 and to uninsured members of friendly societies over 65, respectively; (4) what amount it is estimated it will cost in the first and subsequent years to extend the benefits under Clause 2 of the National Insurance Act (1911) Amendment Bill relating to persons over 50 years of age; how much thereof will fall upon the funds of the approved societies; how much on moneys provided by Parliament; and (5) what amount it is estimated it will cost in the first and subsequent years to excuse part of the arrears of contributions as provided by Clause 3 of the National Insurance Act (1911) Amendment Bill; and how much thereof it is expected will fall on the funds of the approved societies, on the reserve values, redemption fund, and on moneys provided by Parliament, respectively?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)The subject matters of these questions will be found to be fully dealt with in the Actuarial Report on the proposals of the Bill, which I hope will be in the hands of hon. Members to-morrow morning.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether in the Actuarial Report it will be made clear how much of the additional cost is to be 1858 borne by the funds of the approved societies, and how much out of moneys provided by Parliament? In the ordinary case the Actuaries' Report would only state the total cost without apportioning it?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI think none of the cost will be borne by the approved societies, but it is to be borne either by moneys provided by Parliament or through the extension of the sinking fund. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the Report will contain the fullest actuarial information.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSWill the right hon. Gentleman see Clause 6, and that there are three funds out of which the expenses can be borne?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe hon. Member will find a full explanation in the Report.
§ 30. Mr. CASSELasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the sum which it is estimated will have to be provided in the year 1913–14, and subsequent years, out of moneys provided by Parliament, by reason of Section 4 of the National Insurance Act (1911) Amendment Bill; and what is it proposed to do with contributions paid in respect of exempted persons who have died since the commencement of the National Insurance Act, 1911, without having any scheme of benefits provided for them?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIt is shown by the Actuarial Report on the financial proposals of the Bill that the estimated annual charge on moneys provided by Parliament in order to support the benefits to be granted to exempted persons is £19,000. The proportion which will come in course of payment in the financial year 1913–14 will depend upon the date at which the amending provision comes into operation. As regards the second part of the question, the contributions referred to will be dealt with in the manner provided by the principal Act.
§ Mr. CASSELMay I ask whether money Grants provided by Parliament will also be made to those persons who are exempted?
§ Mr. MASTERMANPerhaps the hon. Gentleman would wait and see the Memorandum.
§ Mr. CASSELIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that persons are exempt who have independent means?
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSWill the right hon. Gentleman say how the principal Act does deal with the contributions exacted from exempt persons?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThat will be provided by a scheme to be propounded by the Commissioners for the benefit of the exempt persons.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether any such scheme has been propounded?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe hon. Gentleman knows as well as I do that the available experience is under consideration.