§ 59. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSONasked whether the hon. Member's attention has been called to a report of a Worcestershire insurance sub-committee on the sickness in Cradley, in which statements of Mr. Appleton, secretary to the General Federation of Trade Unions Approved Society, are admitted to the effect that the sickness rate amongst female workers in the district is enormous, and is between 6 per cent. and 7 per cent., or three times the normal; and whether, if this rate is continued until the first valuation, it will entail a very heavy levy on, or a reduction of benefits to, the compulsorily insured members?
Mr. BENNMy right hon. Friend has seen the report, but it does not appear that the figures have been tested. In any case since approved societies or branches of societies, and not geographical districts, are the units for valuation purposes, the benefits of insured persons resident in the Cradley district will be governed after the first valuation (subject to the provisions of the Act for pooling surpluses and deficiencies) by the general experience of the different approved societies or branches of which they have respectively become members.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the hon. Member aware that one of the chief causes of so much sickness in Cradley is in consequence of the beastly low wages paid by the employers?