§ 23. Mr. TINKERasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in cases where colliery companies have failed, and subsequently only a part of the amount due to those entitled to workmen's compensation has been paid, the annuity value of it is assessed and deducted from the disablement benefit of the National 1257 Health Insurance paid to that person; and will he consider amending the law so as to leave the injured person in no worse position than if he had received the full amount of compensation due to him?
Sir H. YOUNGIn accordance with the amendment of Section 10 of the National Health Insurance Act, 1924, made by the Act of 1928, the deduction from disablement benefit in cases of the kind referred to by the hon. Member is based on the value of the compensation actually received by the injured person and not on the whole amount due to him. I could not contemplate placing on the funds of approved societies a liability to make good to their members the loss of compensation due to colliery companies going into liquidation, and I would remind the hon. Member that it was in view of such losses that the Workmen's Compensation (Coal Mines) Act, 1934, was passed during the present session.
§ Mr. PIKEHas the Minister received any representation from. the Miners' Federation on this matter?
§ 26. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE (for Mr. DENVILLE)asked the Minister of Health whether the Government are now prepared to adopt the report of the Royal Commission on National Health Insurance presented in 1926, and in which they recommend expert medical advice and treatment for patients who can travel to meet a specialist, expert advice for persons who are unable to travel, and laboratory services?
Sir H. YOUNGThe recommendation of the Royal Commission was that the services referred to should be provided by means of a partial pooling of the surpluses of approved societies, a plan which has proved to be impracticable.