§ Mr. CROOKEasked the Minister of Health if he will state the loss of working days caused by sickness during the years 1925 and 1926?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThere are no data available as regards the general population. As regards persons insured under the National Health Insurance Act (some 14 millions in England and Wales), it has been estimated by reference to the sums paid by way of sickness and disablement benefit under the Act, that the time lost by sickness in England and Wales was:
- During 1925, upwards of 150,000,000 working days
- During 1926, upwards of 169,000,000 working days
In making these estimates account has to be taken of a number of uncertain factors, and the result can only be regarded as a rough approximation.