§ 83. Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Health if he can state, owing to continued unemployment, at the end of December, 1933, the numbers of persons that have been denied medical benefit from their various approved societies?
Sir H. YOUNGThe returns which have now been received from approved societies indicate that the number of members who after a period of prolonged unemployment were continued in insurance during 1933 by virtue of Section 1 (5) of the National Health and Contributory Pensions Act, 1932, but ceased to be entitled to medical benefit on 31st December last (though continuing to be insured for pensions purposes) is approximately 125,000. This number will, however, be substantially reduced by reinstatements to medical benefit, notifications of which are now being received from societies at the rate of several hundreds a week.
§ Mr. LOGANIn view of the large numbers referred to, do the Government propose to bring into operation again the Prolongation Act?