51. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Health whether, seeing that approved societies under the National Health Insurance Act are required, after disbursing fixed benefits, to devote any surplus in the grant of additional benefits, he will state What is now the amount of the undistributed surpluses of approved societies?
§ Sir K. WOODOn the closest estimate of which the conditions permit, the aggregate amount of the surpluses at 31st December, 1925, is computed to be about £ 65,000,000. I may point out that a society is only allowed to apply to the provision of additional benefits such part of its surplus as is certified by the valuer to be disposable.
Sir F. HALLHas any part of that amount of £ 65,000,000 to which the hon. Gentleman has referred been certified as at his disposal?
§ Sir K. WOODThere may be cases, but I do not think the whole of the valuation is yet completed.