§ Sir R. ASKEasked the Minister of Health the rate of State sickness benefit and old age pensions now being paid in Germany, France, Russia, Italy, and the 201W United States of America; the rate of contributions payable by the insured persons; and, if possible, the number of persons receiving such benefits in each country?
Sir H. YOUNGIn the case of the United States, there is no Federal scheme of insurance for sickness benefit and old age pensions. In Germany, France, Russia and Italy the rates of sickness benefit, old age pensions and of contributions are not uniform. The rates of sickness benefit is these countries and the contributions payable to secure that benefit vary according to the wages of the insured person. In France and Russia the rates of old age pension also vary according to the wages of the insured persons, while in Germany and Italy the rate of old age pension is determined by adding to a fixed sum an amount which varies according to the number of contributions paid. The rate of contribution payable for old age pension purposes in these four countries varies according to the wage group in which the insured person is included. Information is not available as to the number of persons at present in receipt of sickness benefit and old age pensions in those countries.