Wednesday's papers contained an outline of the draft proposals of
the Government's scheme for insurance against sickness and invalidity. The insurance is to be compulsory upon the whole working population whose incomes are below &60 a year, its minimum amount is to be 5s. a week, and it is to cover the years between sixteen and seventy. The cost will be met, one half by the workman, and the other half in equal proportions by the employer and the State. The insurance will be made through such of the existing Friendly Societies as are approved, and, in so far as the compulsory insurance is concerned, these Societies will be guaranteed by the State. This seems to imply a control by the State not only of their accounts but of their investments. The German plan will be followed of establishing a Central Administrative Council of representatives of the Societies, employers, and Government for dealing with questions of detail that arise. It is further stated that, unlike most voluntary policies, the State scheme will not include medical or life insurance.
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