§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Health the reason for the reductions in the expected sickness experience of spinsters and widows, as outlined in Table 2 of the Valuation Regulations of 14th April, 1933, in view of the fact that the 512W National Health Insurance Act, 1932, does not reduce the sickness benefits of this class and that the Government actuary, in his report on the third valuation of approved societies, emphasises the serious nature of the increasing sickness experience of this class?
Sir H. YOUNGThe financial basis of the National Health Insurance system, as amended by the Act of 1932, is explained in the Government Actuary's Report on the Bill (Cmd. 4073), a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. As indicated therein, it was estimated that on the basis of the rates of sickness and disablement experienced by unmarried and married women respectively during the period 1928–30 which were substantially in excess of the rates hitherto adopted a total contribution of 9d. a week would be required to support the benefits, as amended by the Act, thus involving an increase of a halfpenny a week. On the assumption, however, that the rates of sickness would decrease to, and be maintained at, a level of 10 per cent. below the average of these years it was computed that the existing contribution, namely, 8½d., could be retained.
In the Table of the Valuation Regulations, to which the hon. Member refers, an overall improvement of 10 per cent. from the level of 1928–30 has accordingly been assumed, taking sickness and disablement benefits together, and the anticipated total saving has been appropriately apportioned between the two benefits. The hon. Member will observe, on comparing the rates in the new table with the corresponding figures in the Valuation Regulations of 1929, that while in the case of sickness benefit the new rates show small reductions, very substantial increases have been made in the number of weeks provided for in the case of disablement benefit.
§ Mr. DAVIESasked the Minister of Health why he proposes to compel an approved society, under paragraph 2 (2) of the regulations of 14th April, 1933 (Approved Societies' Amendment Regulations), to inflate its benefit fund for current valuation purposes with the original cost of offices purchased in some cases out of small annual savings on administration account before the third valuation; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to see that such pro- 513W perty in any case shall not be included at a figure in excess of its valuation market value?
Sir H. YOUNGThe purpose of the Article of the Regulations to which the bon. Member refers is to enable the valuer to include in the assets of an approved society the value of any office property which belongs to the society. The Valuation Regulations, 1933, provide that in making the valuation, such effect shall be given to any depreciation in the value of the property as the circumstances require.
§ Mr. R. DAVIESasked the Minister of Health the reason for the compulsory transfer to the benefit funds of approved societies, under paragraph 3 of the regulations of 14th April, 1933, of balances on administration account in excess of 1s. per member at valuation date; and whether he has had full regard to the limitations already imposed upon societies by paragraph 47 of Statutory Rules and Orders, 523, of 1930, and the absence in numerous cases of provision for superannuation of officers and staffs of approved societies on the lines of the statutory provisions applicable to officers and staffs of insurance committees?
Sir H. YOUNGThe purpose of the provision to which the hon. Member refers is to render available for benefit purposes such balances in the administration accounts of approved societies as are in excess of their reasonable requirements for administrative purposes. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.