§ 12. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that certain approved societies, including the Prudential, have issued notices to their members stating that, as from 1st January, 1931, they will not be eligible for benefit from national health insurance owing to their prolonged period of unemployment; and if he proposes taking any steps to deal with this matter?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The approved societies to which the hon. Member refers have acted quite properly in notifying their members of their position under the existing law. 216 As regards the second part, my right hon. Friend is in communication with the Minister of Health, and I am not presently in a position to add to the reply given by the Minister of Health to the hon. Members for Greenwich (Mr. Palmer) and Bothwell (Mr. Sullivan) on 30th October last.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIn view of the fact that the Secretary of State for Scotland was communicated with on this subject in May and June of this year, can the Under-Secretary say why the delay has taken place in coming to a decision on this important matter?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe question will only arise in an acute form on the 1st January next. My right hon. Friend has other interests to consider, and he has been in communication with those other interests. Immediately a decision is taken no time will be lost.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs there any doubt in the mind of anyone as to the necessity for the continuance of this benefit?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONOn pensions, there is no doubt whatever, but the precise form of any legislation and the date upon which it will be possible to bring it in have not yet been decided.
§ Mr. THOMAS LEWISIs the hon. Member aware that the societies are placed in great difficulty because of the delay? Will he press upon the Secretary of State for Scotland the necessity of a speedy decision?
§ Mr. WALLHEADCan the hon. Member say whether such legislation will apply to England as well as Scotland?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThat is the precise point of my answer. My answer cannot deal with Scotland alone. The Secretary of State for Scotland is in communication with the Minister of Health.
§ Mr. LEWISWill he complain to the Minister of Health as to the necessity of getting speed on? There are only six weeks left.
§ 18. Mr. STEPHENasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether legislation will be introduced to protect the right of unemployed men and women on the lines of the prolongation of insurance benefits, in view of the fact that thousands of men and women will cease 217 to be eligible for health insurance benefit at the end of the year if no such legislation is passed before the end of this year?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONAs I stated in reply to a question put by the hon. Member for the Gorbals Division (Mr. Buchanan) this afternoon my right hon. Friend is in communication with the Minister of Health, and I am not presently in a position to add to the reply given by the Minister of Health to the hon. Members for Greenwich (Mr. Palmer) and Bothwell (Mr. Sullivan) on 30th October last.
§ Mr. STEPHENIs my hon. Friend aware that members of approved societies are now being informed that they will be out of benefit and that they must become voluntary contributors if they wished to remain in benefit? In view of the fact that I asked this question on 7th May, will the hon. Member be in a position to give me an answer if I put down a question next week?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONI should not like to promise, but I hope so.