HC Deb 16 November 1939 vol 353 cc829-30
73. Mr. Isaacs

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the increased cost of administration of National Health Insurance approved societies, especially in those cases where it has been considered necessary to remove offices and staffs to less vulnerable areas, thereby incurring additional charges for rent and staff maintenance; and whether he will give authority for an increased allotment for administration, particularly in such cases of removal?

Mr. Elliot

Reasonable additional expenditure incurred by an approved society in the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers would be a proper charge on the society's administration account and a society may, if it thinks fit, make an additional appropriation from its health insurance funds to meet the whole or part of the additional expenditure.

Mr. Isaacs

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, might I ask him if he has issued any instructions for the guidance of the approved societies on this matter?

Mr. Elliot

I hope this question and the answer will in fact provide the guidance for which the hon. Member asked.