HC Deb 07 June 1935 vol 302 cc2190-1W
Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state in percentage form the amount paid away out of every £1 premium received by insurance companies covering workmen's compensation risks, in respect of payments to injured workmen and their dependants, and legal and medical costs, respectively?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I would refer the hon. Member to the particulars given on page 7 of the Workmen's Compensation Statistics for 1933 (Cmd. 4784) from which it will be seen that for that year 61.66 per cent. of the adjusted premium income of all the insurance companies furnishing returns to the Board of Trade was expended in payment of compensation (including legal and medical expenses incurred in connection with the settlement of claims), and 35.17 per cent. in payments for commission and expenses of management. I regret that the figures for 1934 are not available, nor are separate figures for the medical and legal expenses, but as regards the companies belonging to the Accident Offices Association such expenses are estimated at about 4¼ per cent.