§ 23. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to preserve the right of medical benefit to a group of persons suffering from prolonged unemployment whose right to benefit will otherwise cease at December, 1933?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Hilton Young)No, Sir. As I have said in reply to previous questions, this matter was fully debated during the passage of the National Health Insurance Act of last year, and the Government are not prepared to reopen it.
§ Mr. THORNEWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire from the various approved societies the number of people who will be affected?
§ Sir H. YOUNGNo special inquiries are necessary, but I am in close touch with the situation.