HC Deb 14 March 1940 vol 358 c1363
49. Mr. Burke

asked the Minister of Health whether, during the present national emergency, when the National Health Insurance Fund is relieved of the liability to provide medical benefits for men with the Forces, he will consider providing such benefits to the dependants of these men?Mr. Elliot: I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 22nd February to a similar Question by the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith).

Mr. Burke

In view of the very great hardships imposed upon people who have to depend upon public assistance, can the right hon. Gentleman not reconsider that decision; and, as he is saving money on one hand, can he not spend some of it on the other?

Mr. Elliot

I pointed out in my answer that we are not saving money on the one hand, and therefore there is no margin available on the other.