§ 84. Dr. CHAPPLEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether representations have been made to him by parish councils in Scotland, pointing out that the National Health Insurance Fund benefits considerably at the expense of the rates in those cases coining under Section 12 (1) of the Act, whereby those entitled to sickness, disablement, or maternity benefits, are deprived of this benefit when they enter poorhouse hospital wards and are kept at the expense of the ratepayers; and whether he will favourably consider any amendment in the law by which the benefit could be paid over to such institutions on condition that a definite proportion so received be handed to inmates on their discharge?
Mr. ROBERTSONI am informed that the Scottish Insurance Commissioners have received a few inquiries from parish councils as to the effect of Section 12 of the Act and have informed them of its provisions. As my hon. Friend is aware, this Section provides that when insured persons are in public institutions such as those referred to the sums which would otherwise have been payable to them in respect of sickness, disablement or maternity benefits, shall be applied, in whole or in part, to the relief or maintenance of their dependants, and, in the absence of dependants, may be applied in whole or in part to provide any surgical appliances they may require or otherwise for their benefit. I am unable to promise support for any proposed Amendment of the law to the effect suggested.