asked the Minister of Social Security what figures she has available of the average number of days sickness benefit paid annually to self-employed and employed persons; and if she will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a breakdown of these figures according to occupational groups.

Employed persons receive on average about 15 days sickness benefit a year whereas the average for self-employed people is less than 8 days. Such information as we have about occupational groupings is for employed people only and is contained in a comprehensive report on an "Enquiry into the Incidence of Incapacity for Work" produced by the Ministry of Pensions; and National Insurance in 1965. Copies are available in the Library.