Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Minister of National Insurance the number of persons in receipt of sickness benefit on 1st June, 1949, the average duration of the sickness period and the comparable figures for the same day in 1948.
§ Mr. SteeleIt is estimated that about 800,000 persons were in receipt of sickness benefit on 1st June, 1949. A statistical inquiry into the average duration of sickness in 1949 is being made, but the results will not be available until early next year. Figures for 1st June, 1948, are not available.