§ 3. Mr. BOOTHasked whether the Insurance Commissioners are aware that the second year's working of the National Insurance Act shows a marked diminution in the sickness claims of the approved societies, and to what this improvement is to be attributed?
§ Dr. ADDISONReturns for the second year of benefit expenditure (which is only just completed) are not yet available. I am unable, therefore, to make any general statement of the kind suggested. Some reduction in expenditure would of course result from the fact that since August last so many insured persons have been serving with the Colours. Apart from this, however, many societies have doubtless profited by their own experience, or been assisted by advice from the Commissioners, and have effected improvements in their administration of sickness benefit as compared with the previous year.
§ Mr. BOOTHIs my hon. Friend not aware that there has been a most marked improvement in the sickness rate amongst women?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have heard reports to the effect mentioned, but there are no official reports in the Commissioners' office.