4. Mr. WALLACEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that concern exists in Scotland on 710 account of the fact that after 31st December, 1933, a number of unemployed men and women will cease to receive medical benefit as hitherto Administered under the National Health Insurance Acts; and whether he will initiate the necessary legislative steps to provide for a continuance of this medical benefit?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)As my hon. Friend is aware, this matter was the subject of a Debate on the 10th instant, and I would refer him to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health on that occasion. In view of the need for maintaining the National Health Insurance Scheme on an actuarial basis, I regret that it is not possible to take the course suggested in the latter part of the question.
Mr. WALLACEMay I Ask my right hon. Friend whether, in view of the serious financial position of these persons, this very important subject will receive further consideration at his hands?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am afraid that I cannot give any undertaking in reply to the supplementary question.