§ Mr. Lawasked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that under the National Insurance (Claims and Payments) Regulations, sickness benefit cannot be paid for any period more than six months before the date on which the claim is made; and if, in cases where sickness occurred more than six months before the date on which the claim is made and the statutory authority is satisfied that there is good cause for the failure to make the claim at an earlier date, he will take the necessary steps to amend the regulations whereby the claimant will not lose his benefit whatever period of time has elapsed.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe rule referred to applies to all benefits and was approved by the National Insurance Advisory Committee in their report on the regulations. Our interlocking system of social services and benefits is primarily designed to relieve current needs and some such limitation of the liability of the National Insurance Fund is essential to proper control and economy in the administration of its benefits.