§ 61. Mr. MORRELLasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the cases that have recently occurred in the industrial dispute in the Midlands, in which women who were lying in have been ejected from their homes on account of arrears of rent; whether, in view of the danger to life that is thus caused, medical officers have power under Section 68 of the National Insurance Act to prevent such a practice; and, if so, whether he will take steps to call the attention of the local insurance committees of the district to these provisions?
§ Mr. MASTERMANMy attention has not been called to the cases referred to in the first part of the question. Under Section 68 of the National Insurance Act where the doctor attending on any insured person in receipt of sickness benefit certifies that the taking of any proceedings to enforce any judgment in ejectment against such person would endanger his or her life, and such certificate has been sent to the insurance committee and duly recorded, it is not lawful during any period named in the certificate to enforce any such judgment. If my hon. Friend has any reason to believe that this law is being violated in any particular areas I shall be glad if he will communicate with me on the subject.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that having a baby does endanger life or not?
§ Mr. MASTERMANYes, I think it may.