HC Deb 27 January 1942 vol 377 cc559-60
52. Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether the Inter-Departmental Committee on Social Insurance and Allied Services have yet begun to receive evidence; and whether it will be open to them to consider inclusion in a State insurance scheme of benefit payable on death?

Mr. Greenwood

I am informed that the Committee, besides completing a survey of social insurance from official sources, have already taken some evidence and hope to receive representations from all the important organisations concerned during the next two or three months. With reference to the last part of the Question, it will be within the power of the Committee to consider developments of the National Insurance Schemes in the way of adding death benefits or dealing with any other risks which are at present not covered by such schemes

Mr. Tinker

Are the Inter-Departmental Committee taking into consideration a scheme in which there will be no contributions individually and in which the State will meet the whole of the cost, as there are at present very serious anomalies and there ought to be a comprehensive State scheme?

Mr. Greenwood

The Committee are only too anxious to receive evidence. Evidence of the sort which the hon. Member has in mind may no doubt be given, and will be carefully considered.

Mr. Tinker

Would I be allowed to give evidence?

Mr. Greenwood

If the hon. Member applies to the Secretary to the Committee, no doubt the matter will be considered.

Mr. Thorne

Have the Committee received any evidence from the Social Services Committee of the Trades Union Congress?

Mr. Greenwood

They gave evidence for the first time last week.