HC Deb 03 June 1913 vol 53 cc763-4
25. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the opinion of the leading friendly society orders that sick pay should be paid from the first day of certified illness and that full sick pay, i.e., 10s. for males and 7s. 6d. for females, should be paid to all minors, he will include provisions to this effect in the forthcoming National Insurance Act amending Bill?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent. The cost of these two changes would involve an addition of about £1,200,000 a year to the burdens of the taxpayer.

Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the possibility of lengthening the period for paying back?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I doubt whether that can be done in connection with this matter, and the particular suggestions put forward by the hon. Member would involve a very considerable task.

76. Mr. FREDERICK HALL (Dulwich)

asked whether it has been decided that the responsibility of determining whether insured persons who have reached a convalescent stage shall continue to receive sick benefit shall rest with the society concerned; and, if so, what steps will be taken, in the interests of other contributors and of employers, to secure that a uniform medical standard shall be adopted in such cases?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Under Section 14 (1) of the National Insurance Act the responsibility for administering the sickness benefit of its members and therefore of determining in the first instance whether a particular member is still incapable of work rests with the approved society. As the benefit is paid from the funds of the approved society itself, it has an obvious interest in administering the benefit properly and with sufficient safeguards.

Mr. F. HALL

Is it not a rather dangerous practice to throw the onus of deciding as to convalescence on the approved society?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I think the approved societies would be exceedingly angry if we took it away from them.

Mr. F. HALL

Are they not in the position of not knowing how to administer the convalescent benefit? Will the right hon. Gentleman make it perfectly plain for their guidance what rule they should follow?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I am quite sure the approved societies are quite conversant with their duty in this matter.