ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 28 July 1928, Page 9

ACCIDENT INSURANCE

STATE SCHEME DISCUSSED. (13y 'i'elecnujli—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 28. The report of the Government Accident Insurance Department was laid on the table by the Hon. F. J. Rlolieston. Speaking on the presentation of the report, Mr. IV. Parry (Auckland Central), said it was time accident insurance was made a State monopoly. If that were done workers would get a much greater return for the premiums paid. He believed the time would come when the State would almost be compelled to take this step, and he trusted the Minister would take the suggestion under consideration. Under the scheme ho proposed it would be compulsory for all employers to insure their employees, and there would be a great deal of saving in expenses. Profits and commissions could then be absorbed in added compensation payments. A State scheme would be of benefit both to employee and employer. Other Labour members spoke in a similar strain. Mr Rolleston, in reply, said only 22 per cent, of the revenue of the department went in administrative charges, and 78 per cent, was paid out in premiums. The figures, could foe confirmed by insurance statistics for 1926, in which year 61 per cent, of revenue was paid by all the offices in the Dominion in- premiums. When these facts were known the position was not nearly so bad a® critics of the department would make it appear. The State Accident Insurance Department was not run hv other and rival offices; it was entirely independent, and the present Government should be given some credit for the increase in the business of the office.