MAJORITY REPORT.

1

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of the evidence submitted to us was, on the one hand, concerned
with the conditions under which the existing medical benefit could
be extended or supplemented by other benefits of a medical
nature and, on the other hand, with the possibility of overcoming
 the lack of co-ordination with which at present the
medical services of the country are frequently reproached. The
development of maternity benefit from a mere cash palyment
into an adequate provision of skilled supervision and treatment
of mother and child during the period centred on the confinement
 was urged by numerous witnesses, including several
representative bodies devoted specially to the interests of
working women. Much emphasis was also laid on the desirability
of developing, as far as practicable, the possibilities which the
scheme offers for the prevention of illness and the improvement
of the general standard of health.

THE INEQUALITIES OF BENEFIT.

96. We also received much evidence in criticism of the inequalities
 of benefit which result from the variations between
the valuation surpluses of Approved Yocieties and of the confusion
 alleged to be consequent on the comparative freedom which
Societies enjoy in selecting and, indeed, in defining the content
of additional benefits other than an increase in the rates of the
cash benefits. The opinion was freely expressed by certain
witnesses that the present arrangements did not result in the
fullest advantages being secured to the general body of insured
workers in return for the expenditure incurred, and that in a
National Scheme supported by uniform contributions compulsorily
 levied, these wide inequalities of benefit were a serious
blemish. Other witnesses, on the other hand, contended
vigorously for the maintenance of the present system. In the
view of these witnesses the enforcement of a uniform rate of
contribution in the case of all insured persons, whatever the
differences in their economic conditions or the variations in the
risks to which they are subject, occupationally or for other reasons,
cannot otherwise be justified. Some of those who advanced
this claim relied on pledges given when the Bill of 1911 was
before Parliament, to the effect that, to meet this difficulty,
insured persons should be free to choose their own Societies and
the Societies should have full control of their own surpluses. In
this particular sphere, indeed, it became evident that we had
to recognise the existence of opposed and apparently irreconcilable
opinions held in each case by schools of thought whose views
were entitled to respect and consideration.

Tar ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES.

97. Another matter to which much of the evidence was
directed was that of the suitability of the Insurance Committees