§ 61. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health whether the valuation of all approved societies under the National Health Insurance Act have taken place up to one period; if not, will increased benefits of societies whose valuation is delayed be made retrospective to July, 1925; and why all valuations are not made at the same period and additional benefits made available at the same time for all members?
§ Sir K. WOODFor the purposes of the second valuation approved societies and branches were divided into two groups, to be valued respectively as at 31st December, 1922, and 31st December, 1923. For those which have been valued as at the former date the schemes of additional benefits following this valuation operate from the 6th July, 1925, and for the other group the schemes will commence in July, 1926. These arrangements were agreed to by the consultative council representing approved societies of all types, and were found to be necessary in order to avoid either a considerable increase in the number of the valuers and their staff or alternatively a prolongation of the period elapsing between the date of valuation and the commencement of the additional benefits provided as the result of the valuation.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSAre we to understand that the approved societies agree that a proportion of the insured members are losing the advantage of increased pensions for a period of 12 months?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir. I am advised that no such a consequence follows as a result of the two periods I have mentioned.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSAm I to understand the hon. Member to say that one set begins to receive the increased benefits this year and the other set only begins to receive them next year? If so, is not one set of members securing an advantage as compared with the other set?
§ Sir K. WOODNo. Those who start in the later year get an additional year, so that there is no difference in the amount.