§ 73. Mr. FELLasked if the funds contributed by and on behalf of domestic servants insured under the National Insurance Act are accumulating rapidly; and, if so, if a scheme of additional benefits has been sanctioned and if it will provide for portions on marriage, or pensions on reaching the age of sixty, or other benefits?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNThe Act contemplates that valuations of approved societies shall be made after three years, unless other times are appointed by the Commissioners. No valuations have, therefore, as yet been made, and I am unable to say whether societies admitting domestic servants to membership are accumulating a surplus. As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, any such surplus disclosed at a valuation can be devoted as the society may choose either to reducing contributions or to providing any of the fourteen additional benefits specified in Part II. of the Fourth Schedule, which include pensions or superannuation allowances.
§ Mr. FELLMay I ask whether the case of domestic servants is not a special one, and that they ought not to have to wait the whole three years before the valuation is made, seeing that their funds are accumulating so rapidly?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNI do not know whether the hon. Member has any evidence in support of that statement, but it would not be wise, unless special circumstances arise, to offer to value one society until the time arrives to value all the societies.