HC Deb 06 May 1926 vol 195 cc447-8W
Mr. DUCKWORTH

asked the Minister of Health the surpluses which, on the introduction of the National Health Insurance scheme in 1911, were anticipated by the Government actuaries?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The reports of the Actuaries consulted by the Government in 1911 contain no direct statement as to the surpluses then anticipated, but examination of the Tables appended to the Report of the Actuaries on the scheme as amended in Committee leads to the conclusion that so far as concerns the aggregate of employed contributors in Great Britain a net surplus of about five million pounds was expected to arise in the quinquennial period ending with the year 1922–23, and about five and a half millions in the following quinquennial period. These amounts are related to the contributions and benefits as originally fixed. To give effect to the changes introduced in the year 1920, when both contributions and benefits were increased, the sums named should be increased to about six and a half millions and eight millions respectively.