§ 15. Mr. Fisherasked the Minister of Social Security when the last increase in the National Insurance contribution was made without an increase in benefit.
§ Mrs. HartThis has not happened previously under the present National Insurance scheme, but since enactment of the National Insurance Act, 1959 there has been provision for increasing contributions at five-yearly intervals with no accompanying benefit increases.
§ Mr. FisherOn a slightly different but related point, does the right hon. Lady agree that it is perhaps rather harsh to cut the first three days' unemployment sickness benefit at a time when increased contributions will be made? Am I right in assuming that she will alter this proposal in Committee on the Bill?
§ Mrs. HartI believe that the hon. Member was not present in the House last week when I said something on this subject. I advise him, as I advised those in the House, to await the Committee stage of the Bill.