§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Health the number of valuations for the third quinquennial period which have been issued to approved societies up to the last convenient date; what is the approximate insured membership covered by such valuations; how many societies are shown to be in deficiency; and how many societies, with approximate membership, have been compelled to reduce or abandon additional benefits consequent upon reduction of State grant under the provisions of the Economy Act, 1926?
§ Mr. GREENWOODOn the third valuation, 4,907 reports have so far been issued in respect of approved societies and branches in England and Wales, the number of members concerned being about 4,150,000. In 176 of these cases with 135,000 members the valuation shows a deficiency. No information is available on the point raised in the last part, of the question. In practically all cases, however, in which the disposable surplus was insufficient to maintain the existing additional benefits the valuers reported an experience of heavy claims for benefit; accompanied frequently by a serious loss of contributions resulting from abnormal unemployment. It is thus evident that in these eases the reduction of the State grant is only one element, and not the primary one, in the position shown by the valuations.