§ 32. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Minister of Health whether he can now make a statement as a result of the special consideration he has given with the view to granting some concession in the cases of established men asked to serve abroad under the Admiralty, and who have to renounce all title to benefits under the National Health Insurance Act, even if they may never have had any benefit from the scheme, and who, on return to this country, have to wait a period of 52 weeks before being entitled to half benefits, and 104 weeks before being entitled to full benefits?
§ Sir K. WOODThe position of these men on proceeding abroad is not quite as suggested in the question. During their temporary absence abroad they may, in general, continue in insurance as voluntary contributors under.the corn-bind scheme of health insurance and pensions. Although not entitled to receive health insurance benefits whilst abroad, they will be able by this means to resume title to such benefits immediately on returning to this country without serving fresh waiting periods, and they will also remain insured for contributory pensions. In the event of a claim to pension arising during their absence abroad or shortly after return, the normal requirement of residence in Great Britain for the, preceding two years is already subject to certain modifications in pursuance of Regulations made under Section 23 (1) of the Contributory Pensions Act. Consideration of the question whether these Regulations need amendment is still in progress.