§ Lieut.-Colonel POWNALLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total expenditure on National Health Insurance; what proportion of this total is spent on administration; and whether the expenditure on administration is commensurate with the benefits received?
§ Dr. ADDISONIn reply to the first and second parts of the question I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Return of 23rd July, 1920 (H.C. 160), in which the figures for the year 1919 are contained. In reply to the third part of the question, I would point out that no reliable conclusions can be drawn from a comparison of the expenditure on administration with the amounts paid in benefits, in view of the fact that the administration of National Health Insurance covers a much wider range of duties 1979W than the payment of benefits. I may, however, say that the amount which approved societies are allowed to spend on administration is limited by regulations, and, having regard to the importance of securing an efficient service, I have no reason to think that it is excessive.