HC Deb 05 May 1913 vol 52 cc1652-3
34. Mr. CASSEL

asked whether any Post Office contributors in the county of London have lost their right to medical and sanatorium benefit by reason of not having a sufficient amount to the credit of their account; and whether the Government proposes to deal with such cases in their Bill to amend the National Insurance Act?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The contingency referred to in the first part of the question has arisen in a certain number of cases. The persons so suspended were those whose accounts, on examination of the second quarter's cards, did not show them to have had sufficient to their credit at the beginning of the year to entitle them to benefit under Section 42 of the Act. The question whether any amending legislation is possible or desirable is receiving consideration.

Mr. CASSEL

Will the right hon. Gentleman give this case sympathetic consideration, as it gives rise in many cases to serious hardship?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I quite agree with the hon. and learned Gentleman. I shall be glad to consult with him if he has any suggestions to make on the matter.