HC Deb 05 February 1929 vol 224 cc1569-71
26. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that many poor people are being refused maternity benefit on the ground that they failed to complete and sign a form of declaration of unemployment stated to be supplied by their approved society; and whether he will take steps to have notices prominently posted in post offices and Employment Exchanges of the date when those forms are to be returned, or whether he will arrange that the forms be sent by registered letter so that the rights of members may be fully safeguarded?

Sir J. GILMOUR

A limited number of cases have come to my notice where insured persons have lost their title to maternity benefit because of arrears of contributions due to unemployment, and it is possible that in these eases a credit of contributions sufficient to entitle the insured persons to maternity benefit might have been granted, if the form of declaration referred to had been completed and timeously returned to the societies concerned. As regards the second part of the question, it is hoped that arrangements which have been in operation since the commencement of the present contribution year for the franking of health insurance cards by Employment Exchanges during periods of genuine unemployment will in future simplify the procedure in connection with the credit of free contributions to unemployed persons. In these circumstances I am of opinion that it is not necessary to take the steps suggested by the hon. Member.

Mr. STEPHEN

Am I to understand that there will be no such cases in future in regard to poor people, and that the Exchanges will be responsible in this matter?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I think it is clear that the cards will obviate the necessity of signing these forms.

Mr. STEPHEN

If the society gets from the applicant for maternity benefit in these cases a notification from the Exchange in regard to unemployment, will the claim for benefit be paid?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The individual, I understand, will have to produce his card which will be stamped by the unemployment insurance official.

Mr. STEPHEN

With regard to past cases, if the applicant can give to his approved society a notification from the Employment Exchange regarding his unemployment, will his application be considered?

Sir J. GILMOUR

No, Sir, I think these schemes must only apply to those cases which have arisen since the scheme has come into operation.

Mr. STEPHEN

But does the right hon. Gentleman not understand that there are a great many poor people suffering because of this arrangement that has been made and of which they did not know: and will he not do something to provide for them?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I do not think it is accurate to say that they did not know of the arrangements. That they were not fully carried out is certainly true.