HC Deb 17 March 1913 vol 50 cc689-90
66. Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

asked how many persons insured in approved societies have paid less than nineteen contributions and how many less than thirteen contributions in the first two quarters since the commencement of the National Insurance Act?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I have not available the information asked for, which would require a collation of all individual members' cards for the first and second quarters, which the Commissioners do not require to make for any administrative purpose, and which would therefore necessitate a special return from over 20,000 societies and branches.

Mr. CHIOZZA MONEY

Is it not the fact that the unemployment rate is now 2 per cent., and that therefore the number of unemployed must be very small?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I am not sure about that.

68. Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

asked the number of persons insured in approved societies under Part I. of the National Insurance Act at the most recent date possible; how many of such persons are employed contributors aged under 21, between 21 and 50, between 50 and 60, between 60 and 65, and over 65, at the date of entry into insurance; how many are voluntary contributors under 45 and over 45, respectively; and, in each class, how many are male and female, respectively?

Mr. MASTERMAN

As I stated in answer to the hon. Member for Dulwich on the 29th January, the estimated number of members of approved societies is approximately 131 millions. The numbers shown in actual returns show 13,021,000, of whom 9,197,000 are men and 3,824,000 are women. But these figures are not complete, being based on the first quarter's cards only. The particulars necessary to ascertain the numbers at the various ages mentioned in the question have not yet been received from societies as this information is not immediately required for administrative purposes.

Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Can the right hon. Gentleman bring the figures up to date on the second quarter, and can he give an answer as to the number of voluntary contributors?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I am afraid that I have not got the necessary particulars, but perhaps the hon. Member will put the question down.

Mr. CHIOZZA MONEY

In view of the gross misrepresentations which continue to be made with regard to the National Insurance Act, can the right hon. Gentleman extend the period or in any way include a considerable number of persons who have been kept out of insurance by the action of hon. Members opposite?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is not entitled to take an opportunity of this kind to ask such a question. He must put it down.