§ 43. Sir J. D. REESasked whether, if the representatives of the ratepayers decline to call upon them to subsidise the operations of the National Insurance Act, the sufferers, or some of the sufferers, within the areas of such representatives, will in consequence fail to receive the sanatorium benefits, or some of such benefits, for which such sufferers have paid insurance tax, such benefits being part of the benefits in consideration of the provision of which Parliament was induced to sanction the levy of such tax?
§ Mr. MASTERMANNo, Sir. No need for resort to the rates will arise unless the sanatorium benefits of the Insurance Act are extended to persons who are not contributors under the Act; and no money need be paid from the rates for the treatment of tuberculosis except by the wishes of the representatives of the ratepayers, and then only if the Treasury pay half the cost of such treatment.
§ Sir J. D. REESWhat will the ratepayers do except levy a rate if proper accommodation is not provided by other means?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe ratepayers do nothing with respect of levying rates unless they want to levy rates to treat uninsured persons. Tuberculous treat- 1283 ment for uninsured persons is not provided under the National Insurance Act, but if the ratepayers choose to take over, what I believe is their duty, the treatment for tuberculosis of uninsured persons, the Treasury will then pay half the cost.