§ 29. Mr. J. R. Bevinsasked the Minister of National Insurance, as administrative expenses in connection with the Industrial Injuries Fund for the period 5th July, 1948, to 31st March, 1949, amounted to £2,694,458 against payments of £5,674,921, whether she proposes to make any changes in the administrative arrangements.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe administrative expenses in the accounts of the Industrial Injuries Fund represented a provisional calculation. The actual figure, excluding preliminary expenses of £450,000, was £1,490,000. The ratio between administrative cost and benefit is bound to be high in the initial stages of a scheme of this kind because expenditure on disablement pensions is cumulative and will not reach full extent for several years.
§ Mr. BevinsWill the right hon. Lady say what was the estimated cost of administration when this scheme was first introduced?
§ Dr. SummerskillPerhaps the hon. Member will put down a Question.