HC Deb 07 April 1913 vol 51 cc792-3
84. Mr. O'GRADY

asked whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer's attention has been called by the National Conference of Friendly Societies and by the Joint Committee of Approved Societies to the hardships suffered by aged and sick members of friendly societies, who are unable to obtain medical treatment except at a greatly increased cost in consequence of the concessions he has made to the medical profession; and whether he can now see his way to make a Grant of 2s. 6d. a year for such members of sixty-five years of age and upwards, whether insured under the National Insurance Act, Part I., or not, upon the condition that the societies arrange a satisfactory system of medical treatment for such members?

Mr. ROBERTSON

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer had representations on this subject, but I am afraid I have nothing to add to the answers given by my right bon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury to similar questions.

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when the Act was passing through this House hon. Members were assured that insured persons would not be subject to injustice, and is he aware that members of approved societies are being penalised under present conditions?

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Will the right hon. Gentleman deal with this point in the Bill to amend the Insurance Act which he is about to introduce?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)

It is being considered.