HC Deb 04 December 1930 vol 245 cc2380-1
56. Mr. MANDER

asked the Minister of Health whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation enabling shopkeepers and employers to be included in a scheme of State insurance?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 8th April last to the hon. Member for West Walthamstow (Mr. McEntee) on the same subject.

Mr. MANDER

Is not this one of the matters which was referred to a. sub-committee of the Cabinet last Session?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I said that in the reply to which I have refereed the hon. Member.

Sir K. WOOD

Is not this one of the matters which the right hon. Gentleman also promised at the last General Election?

57. Mr. ROWSON

asked the Minister of Health if it is his intention to take any action to keep in insurance those people who have suffered prolonged periods of unemployment and whose insurance lapses on 31st December next unless the Ministry takes some action on lines that were taken a year ago?

64. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Minister of Health whether he is considering the case of those insured persons who, through long-continued unemployment, will be in danger of losing health insurance and pension rights on 31st December next; and whether he has any proposals for safeguarding the funds of the approved societies and, at the same time, preventing those persons from losing their rights?

Mr. GREENWOOD

This matter is engaging the close attention of the Government, but I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject.

Mr. BATEY

Is it hoped to make a statement before Christmas?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I think that I can promise to make a statement next week.

62. Sir LAMING WORTHINGTONEVANS

asked the Minister of Health whether the committee he set up for the investigation of the causes for the increased claims for sickness and disablement benefits has reported?

Mr. GREENWOOD

No, Sir. The Committee has not yet completed its investigation, but it is expected that it will be possible to issue a statement at an early date.

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Will that early date be before Christmas?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I cannot possibly say more than that it will be within about a month.