HC Deb 25 March 1914 vol 60 cc359-60
38. Colonel BURN

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will say what has been the cost up to date of the inquiry of the Departmental Committee into excessive sickness and deficiencies under the National Insurance Act?

Mr. BENN

The figure referred to is approximately £1,800.

74. Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how much it would cost to make an inquiry into the question of excessive sickness and deficiencies in Wales under the National Insurance Act similar to that which is being made in England and Scotland; and whether he will consider the desirability of the conditions in Wales in these respects not remaining unknown to the public?

Mr. BENN

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the terms of reference of the Sickness Benefit claims Committee, which are limited to England. Both the Scottish and the Welsh Insurance Commissioners are taking steps to obtain full information as to sickness benefit claims in those countries.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

May I ask the hon. Member when the report of the Welsh Commission on this matter will be published?

Mr. BENN

I should like notice of that question.

75. Mr. WALTER GUINNESS

asked whether the evidence given before the Departmental Committee on excessive sickness and deficiences under the National Insurance Act has yet been printed?

Mr. BENN

In accordance with the usual practice the evidence referred to is being printed for the convenience of the Members of the Committee.

Mr. W. GUINNESS

Will the evidence of the Departmental Committee be published?

Mr. BENN

We shall consider that question when the evidence is complete.