HC Deb 23 February 1914 vol 58 c1386
18. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked whether, under the official Table G, issued by the Insurance Commissioners, an alien, with dependants, aged nineteen next birthday, at entry into insurance, is entitled to sickness benefit at the rate of 10s. per week and disablement benefit at the rate of 5s. per week, whereas, under the official Table D, a British subject now entering into insurance at the same age and under the same conditions is entitled to only 9s. per week sickness benefit and 5s. per week disablement benefit?

Mr. BENN

The answer is in the affirmative. In neither of the cases taken by the hon. Member is any reserve value provided, and in both cases the benefits are equivalent in value to the contributions paid. The maternity benefit payable from the alien's insurance is, however, at a reduced rate, whereas maternity benefits payable from British subjects' insurance are required under the Acts to be at the full rate of 30s. This results, in the particular case selected by the hon. Member, in a corresponding reduction in the latter's sickness benefit.

Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Cannot the hon. Member do something so that a British subject shall not receive less sick pay for the same contribution than an alien?

Mr. BENN

No, Sir; both persons pay the same contribution, and both get equal advantages.