‘ 
Cf am 
90 
MINORITY REPORT. 
98. We know of no way under the Approved Society system, 
with the * incentive ’’ in operation, of overcoming this feature. 
We do suggest, however, that the department, when under- 
taking the enquiries into the administration of this benefit, as 
recommended in the Majority Report, should direct their 
attention to the possible effect of a drastic administration of dis- 
ablement benefit upon the position of an insured person, 
especially of advanced years, in relation to the Widows’, 
Orphans’ and Old Age Pensions Act. We refer to this here in 
order to call attention to the fact that title to Old Age Pensions 
will depend to some extent upon the attitude of Approved 
Societies, and grave injustice might easily ensue from the 
absence of uniformity which characterises the Approved Society 
system of administration. 
99. What has been said as to the adequacy of the rates of 
sickness benefit applies with equal, if not greater, force, to 
disablement benefit and we feel that under the system of adminis- 
tration through local authorities the dangers associated with a 
comparatively high rate of disablement benefit would be con- 
siderably diminished and that the observation of our colleagues 
on this subject in paras. 312 and 813 would be less applicable. 
100. We suggest that the term °° disablement benefit ’ does 
not properly describe the reduced rate of sickness benefit and is 
in part responsible for the application of drastic methods of 
administration. We therefore recommend that even if the benefit 
1s continued at a reduced rate the use of the term ‘‘ disablement 
benefit ** should be discontinued. 
101. In our view, however, the normal rates of sickness benefit 
should be payable to an insured person so long as he is certified 
to be incapable of work. 
ALLOWANCES TO DEPENDANTS. 
102. We further recommend that allowances to dependants 
shall be provided at the same rates as are provided under the 
Unemployment Insurance Act. 
MATERNITY BENEFIT. 
1038. We regret that the Majority Report does not propose to 
alter in any way the present provisions under the Act in respect 
of Maternity Benefit. We have already indicated our view 
that medical benefit should include medical attention at confine- 
ments, not only for insured women, but for all women who would 
under our proposals be entitled to medical benefit amongst whom 
would, of course, be included the uninsured wives of insured men. 
104. The extension of medical benefit to include all women 
would remove a difficulty in the way of organising a complete 
maternity service. The insured woman receives medical 
attention before and after confinement and a cash benefit, 
‘“ These two considerations would greatly facilitate the institution 
$F