§ 27. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of National Insurance if he will invite an independent professional actuary 193 of high standing to publish an independent report on the working out of the provisions of the National Insurance Bill.
§ The Minister of National Insurance (Mr. James Griffiths)No, Sir. As stated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member on 17th June, 1948, provision is made in the National Insurance Act, 1946, for periodic reports by the Government Actuary on the financial position of the National Insurance Fund.
§ Sir W. SmithersIn view of the fact that a few years ago the Government Actuary, whom we all highly respect, said that there were many unknown factors in this Act; and in view of the fact that the country has now the responsibility of providing all the benefits, no matter what the cost will be, would it not be possible to have an actuarial second opinion as to the working of this National Insurance Act.
§ Mr. GriffithsNo, Sir. I think that we can rely, as we have done in all these schemes for over 30 years, on the very efficient services of the Government Actuary.