364 APPENDIX A. would certainly have been much smaller in the Manchester Unity Experi- ence, it would necessarily have as its consequence more linking-up, and therefore more short attacks paid at the disablement rate. In the nature of the case this feature would be of less importance at ages over 40 than at the younger ages. The experience at ages over 40 appears, in fact, to confirm the corresponding experience in respect of sickness benefit. 7. The average duration of disablement claims within the year is shown, in weeks, by Table 3. TasLE 3. Average number of weeks of disablement benefit within the year. Central Age of Group. 224 273% 323 37% 424 47% 52% 57% 621% M.U. (approx.). | Selected Societies (1D) (2) 175 2046 23:1 27-3 288 30-0 32-8 34-2 ar. 1 20-5 21-6 21-9 24-3 25-4 26-3 26+9 29-7 21-4 8. The average duration within the year is, of course, substantially less than the total duration of disablement benefit, since cases of prolonged disablement may extend over several years. In consequence the differeaces in average duration of claim in the two experiences are somewhat masked in the figures shown above. By making certain assumptions it is possible to calculate approximately the average total duration of disablement claims, and the resulting figures are shown, in weeks, in Table 4 below. TasLE 4. Average total duration of disablement claims stated in weeks. Central Age of Group. 19 Ih 324 374 423 474 524 574 [2 M.U. (approx.) Ey Are 26 3 a bl ol 110 Selected Societies (approx.). Sgt EVE 39 44 46 1 72 R9 9. As might be anticipated the figures confirm those of Table 8, and emphasise the striking differences between the Manchester Unity Experi- ence and that of the Selected Societies.