§ 7. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of National Insurance to what extent the number of claims for sickness benefit in the London area during December, 1952, exceeded the corresponding figure for 1951; and how much additional benefit was paid.
§ Mr. PeakeThe number of new claims to sickness benefit received in the offices of the Inner London region of the Department during the period of four weeks ending 1st January, 1952, and 30th December, 1952, were 52,770 and 77,040 respectively. It is not possible to state the amount of benefit paid on these claims.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIn view of this further evidence of the loss caused by fog in London in December, which killed 6,000 people, will the Minister, if only to protect the Insurance Fund, urge upon his colleagues the Ministers of Health, Housing, and Fuel and Power, the need for much more energetic action to deal with this menace of air pollution?
§ Mr. PeakeI am quite sure that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power, who is sitting beside me, will take note of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's suggestion.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonWhat will he do?