§ 35. Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many persons, who were qualified on the ground of previous insurance or otherwise to become voluntary contributors under the combined health and pensions insurance scheme, have only recently become aware that the time within which they might exercise their right expired on 4th July last; and whether, seeing that a large number of these persons are desirous of joining the scheme, he can see his way to extend the period within which they may become voluntary contributors to 31st March next, or such other date as will give them a further opportunity of joining?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINWide publicity was given to the right of persons qualified by previous insurance or otherwise to become voluntary contributors under the combined health and pensions insurance scheme on electing so to do before 4th July, 1920; and, in order to meet the case of qualified persons who failed to exercise their right before that date, and could give a satisfactory ex- 1097 planation of their failure, a special extension of time until 2nd January, 1927, was allowed. In these circumstances, I regret that I cannot see my way to allow the further extension suggested by the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRHas the right hon. Gentleman no information that there is still a large number of people who, without any fault of their own, are ignorant of the fact that they were not qualified under the very complicated terms of this Act, and if information can be brought to a large number of these people by some of the approved societies, will he not reconsider the question of extending the time?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is the question on the Paper.
§ Sir FRANK MEYERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a certain number of people who were misled by explanations purporting to be given of this Act in the public Press at the time, and will he consider that a satisfactory reason for investigating their cases?