§ 45. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether the Government will guarantee the payment of full benefits under the National Insurance Act to those who fall sick and who have paid up their full contributions?
§ Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONOn a point of Order. As the Prime Minister is present, am I not entitled to an answer from the Prime Minister to my question?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)It is not any want of courtesy to the hon. Gentleman, but I have nothing whatever to do with the administration of the Insurance Act.
Mr. BENNThe Act of 1911 provides that societies administering benefits shall be subject to periodical valuation, the contributions or benefits being adjusted according as the valuation discloses a surplus or a deficiency. The hon. Member's suggestion, if I rightly understand it, would be inconsistent with the system of administering the Act through independent approved societies.
§ Mr. J. H. THOMASDoes that mean that the full benefit can be stopped before the valuation is taken?
§ Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONWill the Government bring in an amending Bill guaranteeing full benefits to those persons who paid up their full contributions if, through no fault of their own, their society is found in deficiency in the first year?
Mr. BENNOf course, it is not for me to answer a question about future legislation; but, in reply to the hon. Member, I may say the Act provides for payment of contribution and Parliamentary Grant more than sufficient to provide the benefits mentioned in the Act.
§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEIs it not a fact that all members are guaranteed full benefits until further valuation comes round?