§ 65. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health if he has any information in regard to the health of the unemployed men and women of the country who have been out of employment for two years and upwards; and whether, in view of the fact that such persons may be assumed to be quite outside the National Health Insurance benefits, he has considered the issue of instructions to the various boards of guardians to arrange special medical attention to persons so affected?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir K. Wood)I think the hon. Member has overlooked the effect of the prolongation of Insurance Act, 1921, which is still in force In view of this Act it has not been thought necessary to make any special inquiries as to the health of unemployed persons, and my right hon. Friend is not aware that there is any need for the issue of such instructions as are suggested in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. GROVESIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that it is because I have not overlooked the fact that I am asking the question? In West Ham there is a large number of poor people who are outside the scope of the National Health Insurance scheme, and are really suffering from the need of the extension of the Department's work.
§ Sir K. WOODThe answer is that I think the district medical service is available to those people, just as to the rest of the community.