HC Deb 01 July 1914 vol 64 cc345-6
24. MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Mid-Atholl branch of the Scottish Rural Workers' Friendly Society recently met at Pitlochry, and that a statement was made at the meeting that, with a membership of 324, there were only ten ordinary sickness claims, averaging about one week each, during the last six months, also three maternity benefit claims, while the total payments made amounted only to about £10; whether he is aware that the contributions made by employers and employés during this period amounted to over £400; and whether he can give the actuarial calculations upon which he estimated that the contributors would receive 9d. for 4d., in view of the fact that the employés' contributions alone amounted, in the above-mentioned period, to over £200?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)

I do not know whether these figures are correct, but I may point out that the cost of medical and sanatorium benefit appears to be omitted from the Noble Lord's calculation, and that the favourable experience of the insured persons referred to should result in their obtaining additional benefits on a surplus being shown on valuation.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if he can give actuarial figures to show that the people to whom I refer are getting 9d. for 4d.?

Mr. BENN

Those people having had an exceptionally favourable sickness experience are very fortunate.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

If they are fortunate, why have they to pay for it?

Mr. BENN

The Noble Lord surely understands that he cannot base a general estimate on the experience of 323 members of the Scottish Rural Workers' Society!

Mr. FALCONER

May I ask whether it is the fact, with regard to this Scottish Rural Workers' Society, that the sickness experience all over Scotland of the members of this society has been exceptionally favourable, and, if that is so, whether they will receive the full benefit of that by way of additional benefits?

Mr. BENN

Of course what my hon. Friend says is perfectly correct. If their experience is favourable, there will be so much more money when the valuation takes place.