§ Mr. SALTERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps are being taken to verify the ages of insured persons joining approved societies under the National Insurance Act; whether he is aware that persons are being admitted to membership without production of a birth certificate or other satisfactory proof of age; and whether, seeing that age is a factor in the calculation of reserve values, valuations, and pension dates, he will take steps to ensure that satisfactory proof of age demanded and given before admission?
§ Mr. MASTERMANAs regards evidence of age for calculating reserve values the Commissioners do not, subject to audit requirements, consider that it will be necessary in every case to obtain proof of age, when the member's declaration as to his age on his application to the society for membership is available; but they reserve the right either generally or in particular cases to require such evidence of age as they may think necessary, and at any time should a statement of age be found incorrect to alter any reserve value credited on such statements. As regards the relation of a member to his society it is a matter for the society itself to decide in accordance with its rules what evidence of age it may require, due regard being had to the fact that at certain age limits (namely, 21, 50, 60 and 65 at entry into insurance), the rate of benefit varies or is liable to vary.