§ 22. Sir P. Agnewasked the Minister of Labour by what measures he proposes to encourage the extension of schemes for sick pay.
§ Mr. GodberOver one-half of employees are already covered by occupational sick pay schemes, but the proportion covered and the benefits provided vary greatly between firms, industries and occupations. There is much scope for schemes of this kind to be extended and improved. I have started discussions with my National Joint Advisory Council and a Committee of the Council has been asked to examine the present position and to recommend what action we might take. I think it is most important that we should make progress on this.
§ Sir P. AgnewWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him whether the Committee will par- 616 ticularly address itself to the variation in coverage as between different industries and occupations which he mentioned in his reply?
§ Mr. GodberYes, this will be one aspect of it. There are certain industries which have much better coverage than others, but I want to see these schemes much more widely accepted.