ABSTRACT
It has often been noted that Sir William Beveridge developed his initial ideas and even wrote his draft report before he had heard or considered all the evidence which organisations submitted to his committee. This has led to a widespread belief that the extensive body of evidence of contemporary views and opinions is largely irrelevant when assessing the Beveridge Report and its impact. The employers had a long-standing grievance that, though they played little or no part in the administration of social insurance, they provided massive funding through their contributions, which were in effect a tax on employment, and which added some 5% to the costs of production. Beveridge was much more sympathetic to the friendly societies than to the industrial assurance companies, which became clear in the tone and content of the witness sessions.
