HC Deb 16 June 1913 vol 54 cc21-2
59. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether malingering is proving to be a grave menace to the stability of the national insurance scheme and to the solvency of approved societies; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on Thursday last. As I then stated, such evidence as is at present available for the country as a whole does not point to any general excess of sickness claims over the actuarial expectations, but the whole question is now receiving the most careful attention of the Commissioners.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is it not a fact that approved societies generally give instructions to their visitors to search out such people?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Well, I hope so. Approved societies lose by any malingering that takes place among their members.