§ 34. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Health whether be proposes to introduce legislation to deal with the problems connected with national health insurance; and, if so, when?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe problems to which the hon. Member refers are receiving my right hon. Friend's most careful consideration as a matter of urgency, but he is not yet in a position to make any statement as to the introduction of legislation to deal with them.
§ Mr. DAVIESIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Prolongation Act, which keeps unemployed insured persons in the scheme, will finish at the end of the year?
§ Mr. BROWNThe hon. Gentleman will notice the wording in the answer, that these matters are under consideration as a matter of urgency.
§ 35. Captain STRICKLANDasked the Minister of Health the reason for the 449 present disadvantageous position of deposit contributors compared with contributors through an approved society under the National Health Insurance Acts; and whether he will consider an early amendment granting them equal privileges?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe National Health Insurance scheme has from the first been based on the provision of benefits to insured persons through approved societies, and the full advantages of the scheme can only be obtained through membership of a society. My right hon. Friend sees no reason for amending the Act in this respect. The Act already contains special provision to meet the case of insured persons who, by reason of ill-health, are unable to secure admission to an approved society.