§ Mr. Iain MacLeodasked the Minister of National Insurance whether, in view of the rising cost of living and the conflicting claims being made, she will call for a report from the Government 177W Actuary, so that Parliament may, during 1951, review the National Insurance and National Assistance Acts.
§ Mr. GaitskellI have been asked to reply. Section 39 of the National Insurance Act, 1946, directs the Government Actuary to review the operation of the National Insurance Scheme during the period ending 31st March, 1954, and at the end of each fifth year thereafter. He has also to make an interim review for the period to March, 1950. These reports have to be laid before Parliament and it is hoped that the latter will be available in the near future. The scales of National Assistance were reviewed and increased in June of this year.