§ 34. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps early in the next Session of Parliament to secure medical benefit under the National 1385 Health Insurance Acts on a non-contributory basis to all dependants of men in the Service Forces?
§ Mr. ElliotThe scheme of National Health Insurance is on a contributory basis and I could not undertake the inclusion in the scheme of a new statutory benefit for which no provision was made in the contributions.
§ Mr. GibsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very grave concern which is felt in Scotland and in England that these dependants should have to apply for poor relief in order to secure medical services?
§ Mr. BurkeDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that the allowance which is paid to meet the probable charges of the dependants of these serving men is very much too small?
§ Mr. ElliotIf it is a question of rates of contribution under the National Health Insurance scheme, it is a very big business.