§ 23. Mr. FENBYasked the Minister of Health what has been the extra charge on the Health Insurance Fund down to 31st March, 1929, due to the increased authorised cost of medical benefit under the Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1926?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINPrior to the 1st January, 1927, the actual cost of medical benefit exceeded the charge authorised by the National Health Insurance Act, 1920, upon the funds from which benefits are ordinarily payable. The excess was temporarily met under the National Health Insurance (Cost of Medical Benefit) Act, 1924, from unclaimed stamps and other sources within the National Health Insurance Fund. These temporary provisions came to an end on 31st December, 1926, and, as recommended by the Royal Commission, the full charge not exceeding 13s. per insured person was placed by the Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1926, upon the funds from which benefits are ordinarily payable. The amount by which the actual cost exceeds the charge previously authorised upon the funds from which benefits are ordinarily payable is in England and Wales about £2,000,000 per annum.
§ 24. Mr. FENBYasked the Minister of Health what is the total sum lost to the Health Insurance Fund and the Unemployment Insurance Fund in consequence of the reduction in the amount of the State contributions to these funds under the Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1926?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe reduction in the amount of the State contribution to the National Health Insurance Fund made under the Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1926, was effected in consequence of the revision of the actuarial basis of the system. The revision of the actuarial basis was adopted on the recommendation of the Royal Commission, and the financial results are fully explained in the Report of the Government Actuary (Cmd. 2603). Any question relating to Unemployment Insurance should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.