§ Mr. HEWINSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the number of persons coming under the National Insurance Act (Part I.) largely exceeds the number on which the actuarial estimates were based, he can state the additional cost which will thereby fall on the Exchequer; whether any Supplementary Estimate for this purpose will be presented; and, if so, when?
§ Mr. MASTERMANNo reliable statistics of the number of persons actually coming under Part I. of the National Insurance Act will be available until the first quarter's contribution cards have been received, and such information as I have does not, in my opinion, point to the conclusion formed by the hon. Member—and described in the question as a "fact"— that the estimates of the actuaries will be largely exceeded.