During the past twenty years or so, State Insurance in one form or other has been steadily extending, and now appears likely to be established on a broad basis in Great Britain. The problems presented by it are very complex and comparatively little understood either as regards nature or consequences, while socio-political pressure compels the use of approximations where complete solutions are unattainable. In particular the statistical bases and actuarial treatment of these great schemes, which affect the well-being of millions, afford great scope for the utilization of the training provided by the Institute of Actuaries and other scientific bodies of like aims.