§ 33. Sir JOHN JACKSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the provisions of the National Insurance Act place difficulties in the way of labourers engaged in the construction of public works; that these men, in pursuance of their employment, go from one job to another, and as a consequence few are able to obtain the sick and medical benefits for which they are compelled to subscribe; whether he will consider the advisability of an alteration either in the 2491 Act itself or in the regulations to meet the difficulty mentioned: and will he say what a man is to do when the nearest panel doctor is four or five miles away from the work under construction?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)Arrangements are being made whereby insured persons who are frequently moving from place to place in the course of their employment will be enabled to obtain medical benefit wherever they may happen to be in Great Britain.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men are not able to obtain the benefit?
Mr. MASTER MANI have said arrangements are being made whereby they will be able to get it. They can obtain it now if they give notice, but we are trying to get rid of the necessity for giving notice.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEHow can they get it if the panel doctor is forty-five miles away?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThey will get medical attendance from the nearest doctor available.