HC Deb 17 May 1922 vol 154 cc384-5W
Mr. WISE

asked the Minister of Labour if a Committee of experts has been set up with a view to simplifying the Unemployment Insurance Scheme, and possibly amalgamating Unemployment and Health Insurance cards record; and, if so, will he give the names of the members of the Committee?

Dr. MACNAMARA

An Inter-Departmental Committee was appointed by the Minister of Health and myself on the 23rd January to consider the relations of Health Insurance and Unemployment Insurance, and to investigate the possibility of reducing the total cost of administration by modifying the Unemployment Insurance Scheme and by amalgamating Unemployment and Health Insurance Cards, Records, and, as far as possible, administration.

The members of the Committee are:

  • Sir Alfred W. Watson, K.C.B. (Government Actuary) (Chairman).
  • Sir Walter S. Kinnear, K.B.E., E. J. Strohmenger, Esq., C.B., S. P. Vivian, Esq. (Ministry of Health).
  • Sir James Leishman (Scottish Board of Health).
  • Sir David Shackleton, K. C. B., T. W. Phillips, Esq., C.B., C.B.E., F. G. Bowers, Esq., O.B.E., J. F. G. Price, Esq. (Ministry of Labour).
  • F. Phillips, Esq. (Treasury).
  • A. Henry, Esq. (Government Actuary's Department).

The Committee have presented two Interim Reports, the first dealing with the grant towards administrative expenses of associations having arrangements under Section 17 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, and the second with the possibility of introducing a combined card for Health and Unemployment Insurance contributions in July, 1922. These Interim Reports have been published as a White Paper. (Command 1644.)