HC Deb 25 January 1940 vol 356 cc753-4
20. Captain Sir William Brass

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the granting of free medical services to dependent children of serving sailors, soldiers and airmen, whose wives are only receiving small allowances, and in that way bring these children into line with the free medical services now provided for evacuated children?

26. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to provide adequate medical attendance to the dependants of men serving in the armed forces?

33. Mr. Dobbie

asked the Minister of Health whether he intends to make any arrangements for the medical attention, other than the provisions of the public assistance committee help, for the dependants of His Majesty's Forces; and, if so, what they are, and from what date they will operate?

35. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to provide medical treatment for the dependants of men called up for active service, in view of the fact that the Government has already accepted responsibility for billeted children, and as it is not desirable to repeat the practice of the last war and leave the medical treatment of these persons to the Poor Law or the charity of doctors?

Mr. Elliot

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 18th January to the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. T. Kennedy).

Sir W. Brass

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these families are in very poor circumstances, and can he explain why they should not be treated in the same way as children in the evacuated areas and given free medical attention?

Mr. Elliot

As I have said, it is the concern of another office, but in my reply on 18th January I pointed out that we are now discussing the matter with this Office.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the proposal of the British Medical Association which suggested that persons of £250 per annum income should receive attention?

Mr. Elliot

That is a matter to be considered.

Sir W. Brass

Arising out of the reply of my right hon. Friend, when are we likely to get a reply?

Mr. Elliot

I am afraid I cannot say.

Mr. Robert Gibson

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this is causing grave concern to the National Health Insurance Committee?