27. Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Minister of Health whether the incidence of insurable sickness, etc., affected by the National Health Insurance Act is lower among insured contributors in the agricultural industry than in other insured industries; and, if so, whether he is able to give any comparative figures?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThough there are special agricultural and rural societies, agricultural workers are also to be found in the large number of approved societies and branches which are not in general organised on an occupational basis, and it is impossible to give figures as to the incidence of sickness amongst such workers throughout the country. There is reason to believe that the incidence of sickness amongst persons engaged in agriculture is below the average for the whole insured population, but there are other occupations in an equally, or even more, favourable position in this respect.