HC Deb 20 July 1933 vol 280 cc1969-71
30. Mr. LAWSON

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that large numbers of unemployed who are subject to the operation of the National Health Insurance and Contributory Pensions Act, 1932, are anxious as to what their position is under that Act, and that approved societies are not making the position plain; and whether he will take steps to inform those concerned, through the Labour Exchanges in conjunction with the Minister of Labour, what steps can be taken to ensure the continuance of benefits under the National Health Insurance Acts?

culate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT,

Lieut.-Colonel POWELL

Would my hon. Friend include the figures for 1929?

Mr. HUDSON

Yes, Sir, if my hon. Friend has no objection.

Following is the statement:

The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Hilton Young)

A notice with regard to arrears due to unemployment is being sent to every insured person affected, and posters informing insured persons of their right to redeem arrears without waiting until they receive this notice are displayed in every Employment Exchange. Any insured persons who are unable to secure employment and do not exercise their right to continue as voluntary contributors will be informed by their societies of the date of cessation of their insurance.

Mr. LAWSON

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his answer that the National Health Insurance contributors are to receive notice personally, may I ask if the notice is to be in simple terms, because there is confusion in the minds of these people as to their position in the matter?

Mr. GORDON MACDONALD

Is the right hon. Gentleman making clear on the notice by what method they can safeguard their future rights?

Sir H. YOUNG

Yes, Sir. Of course in drafting these notices the purpose which they have to serve is being very carefully borne in mind, and since the purpose in this case is to explain to un-

Estimated total population and estimated number of persons insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts in Great Britain, and England, Scotland and Wales respectively.
— June, 1930. June, 1931. June, 1932.
Estimated total population. Estimated numbers insured. Proportion of Col. 3 to Col. 2. Estimated total population. Estimated numbers insured. Proportion of Col. 6 to Col. 5. Estimated total population. Estimated numbers insured. Proportion of Col. 9 to Col. 8.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Per cent. Per cent. Per cent.
Great Britain 44,634,000 12,138,000 27.2 44,831,000 12,500,000 27.9 45,081,000 12,543,000 27.8
England (excluding Monmouthshire). 37,177,130 10,241,370 27.5 37,394,680 10,547,380 28.2 37,619,160 10,587,670 28.1
Scotland 4,828,000 1,304,110 27.0 4,843,000 1,346,500 27.8 4,880,000 1,336,560 27.4
Wales (including Monmouthshire) 2,628,870 592,520 22.5 2,593,320 606,120 23.4 2,581,840 618,770 24.0
Figures for 1933 are not yet available.