§ 80. Mr. BOOTHasked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, if he is aware of the unsatisfactory position of women under the National Insurance Acts, and that the financial deficiency is increasing week by week; and whether he has given any attention to this subject and is now in a position to announce his policy?
§ The COMPTROLLER of the HOUSEHOLD (Mr. Charles Roberts)I would remind the hon. Member that my right hon. Friend the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his Financial Statement on 4th May, 1914, dealt at some length with aspects of the subject referred to in the question; the further examination of these has necessarily been affected by the War. The present time is not appropriate for a statement as to changes needing legislation, and I am satisfied that nothing would be gained by taking action at the present moment rather than later.
§ Mr. BOOTHIs my hon. Friend aware that the position is becoming worse from week to week, and does he suggest that they are losing nothing by this delay? What is the meaning of the delay?
§ Mr. ROBERTSI do not think I can add anything to the answer I have given.