HC Deb 28 July 1913 vol 56 c25
60. Mr. JAMES HOGGE

asked whether approved societies in Scotland are finding that the average expectation of cost of sickness benefit is being exceeded, and, in particular, if the societies mainly composed of women are finding much excess of expenditure; whether there has been any excess in any particular district or with regard to any society or group of societies; to what the excess has been due; and what steps the Commissioners propose to take with regard to this important question?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

As my right hon. Friend stated in reply to the hon. Member for Salisbury, on the 12th ultimo, it is too early to make any generalisation as to the actual claims for sickness benefit in comparison with the actuaries' estimates. The Commissioners are, however, taking steps to obtain information from approved societies on the points raised by my hon. Friend, and the whole subject, as he is aware, will be the matter of an inquiry by a Departmental Committee.