§ 60. Mr. Woodburnasked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to take steps to raise the rate of 7s. 6d. per week for permanent disability under National Health Insurance in order to meet the increased cost of living?
§ Mr. ElliotThere is no margin in the present weekly contribution under the scheme of National Health Insurance to meet the cost of any general increase in the standard rate of disablement benefit, and such an increase would, therefore, only be possible by increasing the rates of contributions payable by the insured persons and their employers, with a corresponding increase in the cost borne by the Exchequer. I do not think that the present time is appropriate for a general review of the rates of contributions and benefits under the scheme.