§ Mr. GILLETTasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Prudential Approved Society refused sickness benefit to Arthur William Wood, No. 2,235,233, now deceased, although there were 27 credits governing benefit during the year ending July, 1924, because the books were not sent in at the proper time; and, as the books were accepted by the society in December last, will he give instructions for the money due to be paid to the widow?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI am informed by the society that no contribution cards in respect of the member for the contribution year ended 1st July, 1923, were surrendered until 7th January, 1924, upon which date his illness commenced, and that he was, therefore, treated as not entitled to any sickness benefit until 4th February, being four weeks from the date of surrender of the cards, in accordance with the regulations relating to arrears of contributions. In these circumstances I do not think that I should be justified in interfering with the decision of the society.
§ Mr. GILLETTasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Prudential Approved Society have refused maternity benefit to G. Farley, No. 1,153,995, Men 136, on the ground that arrears were due to the extent of 12s., as the contributor had been unemployed for nearly two years and had not been given the benefit of the prolongation of the Insurance Act; and will he make inquiries 647W and authorise payment of maternity benefit in respect of the child born on the 14th March this year?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI have made inquiries into this case and am informed that, as fewer than 26 contributions were paid in respect of the insured person for the contribution year ended 1st July, 1923, and the necessary payment in redemption of arrears was not made, he was suspended from maternity benefit for the year 1924 in accordance with the provisions of the Arrears Regulations. The member was not eligible for the credit of free contributions as the requirement of the Prolongation of Insurance Act that at least 80 contributions should have been paid during the two years to July, 1920, was not satisfied in his case. In these circumstances, I have no power to authorise the payment of maternity benefit in respect of the confinement on 14th March last.