§ 24. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Health if the number of persons weekly receiving health insurance benefit, and the amount, is showing an increase or a decrease since the issue of leaflets and instructions to approved societies, doctors, and burgh insurance committees at the end of 1929?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Ernest Brown)The rate of expenditure shows a decrease, and it may be inferred that there is also a decrease in the numbers.
§ Mr. BUCHANANCould the hon. Gentleman state the actual decrease?
§ Mr. BROWNThe decrease in numbers could not be stated without examining the records of nearly 8,000 approved societies. As regards the amount, the figures will be available in July, when the report is published. If the hon. Member would like some indication of the amounts in cash issues, I shall be glad to give him what information I can.
§ Sir P. HARRISDoes this mean that there has been a general improvement in the health of the insured population?
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the decrease the result of the recent Circular, or are there other factors; and is not a decrease contrary to what would be expected, seeing that, where unemployment is great, sickness usually increases?
§ Mr. BROWNThe hon. Member would be unwise to draw the conclusion that the Circular is the only factor to be considered.