§ 48. Mr. BANFIELDasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in June next many unemployed persons will be in arrears as members of their approved societies under the National Health Insurance Acts; that sums up to 18s. will have to be paid to clear these arrears; that in many cases payment of these arrears will not entitle the persons concerned to health benefits on account of not having been employed for a considerable time in an insurable occupation; and that, owing to the complexity of the law, many of them are ignorant of their position; and whether he will take steps to avoid the hardship which will follow?
Sir H. YOUNGThe cases to which the hon. Member refers arise under the provisions of the National Health Insurance Act, 1932. These were fully explained 2120 when the Bill was before the House and all insured persons were informed of the changes by a leaflet issued at the end of last year. All possible steps are being taken to ease the position for the insured persons affected, and arrangements have been made under which arrears due to unemployment may be redeemed by instalments at any time from now to the end of November next.
§ Mr. BANFIELDDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that many of these people believe that by paying these arrears they will be entitled to benefits, and that many of them are ignorant of the fact that it would not so entitle them?