HC Deb 18 November 1930 vol 245 cc215-7
12. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked 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. JOHNSTON

The 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. 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. BUCHANAN

In 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. JOHNSTON

The 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. BUCHANAN

Is there any doubt in the mind of anyone as to the necessity for the continuance of this benefit?

Mr. JOHNSTON

On 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 LEWIS

Is 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. WALLHEAD

Can the hon. Member say whether such legislation will apply to England as well as Scotland?

Mr. JOHNSTON

That 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. LEWIS

Will he complain to the Minister of Health as to the necessity of getting speed on? There are only six weeks left.

18. Mr. STEPHEN

asked 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 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. JOHNSTON

As 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. STEPHEN

Is 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. JOHNSTON

I should not like to promise, but I hope so.