§ 65. Mr. Eric Fletcherasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the increase in the cost of living and the desirability of increasing the basic rates of pensions and other benefits fixed in 1946, he will give directions under Section 39 of the National Insurance Act, 1946, for an immediate review of the financial condition of the National Insurance Fund, instead of awaiting the quinquennial review in 1953.
§ Mr. GaitskellI would ask my hon. Friend to await the interim report which the Government Actuary is required to present under Section 39 (1, b) of the National Insurance Act, 1946, and which will be published shortly.
§ Mr. FletcherWhen my right hon. Friend says that it will be published "shortly," does he mean it will be published within a week or two?
§ Mr. GaitskellYes, Sir.
§ Sir I. FraserDoes that mean that a general review will take place this year?
§ Mr. GaitskellIt simply means that the report will be published.