HC Deb 10 July 1941 vol 373 cc303-4
31. Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the different rates of benefit paid by societies under the National Health Insurance scheme; and will he give consideration in the Bill he is to introduce, to the pooling of all funds, so that one rate of benefit can be given to all insured persons?

Mr. E. Brown

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the second part of the Question, as I informed the House on 22nd May, this Bill is designed to give effect to certain changes in the Health Insurance Scheme necessary to meet war-time conditions, and the proposal referred to by my hon. Friend will doubtless be one of the issues to be considered by the Committee which has been appointed by the Minister without Portfolio to undertake a comprehensive survey of the existing schemes of social insurance.

Mr. Tinker

Is it not unfortunate that the right hon. Gentleman cannot deal, with this matter at once? Great discontent is being caused through the different rates of benefit. People cannot understand why, if they pay the same contribution, they should not get the same benefits.

Mr. Brown

As the hon. Gentleman and the House know, this question has a long past history.

Mr. Tinker

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep his mind open?

Mr. Brown

This is not something that could be done as a temporary war-time measure, as it involves the whole structure of the insurance scheme.