§ Mr. C. EDWARDSasked the Minister of Health whether he will introduce legis- 704W lation so as to amend The National Insurance Act, 1911, with a view to allowing persons who have been contributors under the Act, and have attained the age of 70 years, having the same benefits of the Act during sickness as persons who have not attained that age?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe extension of sickness and disablement benefits to persons over 70 years of age would necessitate an increase in the contributions payable by all insured persons throughout the whole period of their insurance, and the only persons who would derive any advantage from such increase would be the very small proportion of insured persons who continue in employment up to or beyond the age of 70. The suggested extension would also involve great administrative difficulties, as in the case of the aged incapacity for work through sickness is not distinguishable from infirmity due merely to old age. The experience of Friendly Societies has shown that the risk in question is not one which can properly be covered by insurance, and I my remind the hon. Member that provision for the needs of aged persons is already made under the Old Age Pension Scheme, in which no consideration of incapacity for work is involved. As at present advised I do not, therefore, propose to introduce legislation on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.