HC Deb 03 December 1942 vol 385 cc1277-8
13. Dr. Little

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that owing to the growing increase in the cost of living the recipients of health insurance benefit are finding it difficult to obtain the necessaries of life, to say nothing of additional comforts; and whether he will arrange from 1st January, 1943, to have their benefit increased?

Mr. E. Brown

I must ask my hon. Friend to await the Government's consideration of Sir William Beveridge's Report on Social Insurance and Allied Services.

Dr. Little

In view of the statements in the Beveridge Report, cannot something be done at once to increase the Health Insurance grant to these persons incapacitated for work as the matter is urgent?

Mr. Thorne

Was not the right hon. Gentleman's answer drafted before the Beveridge Report was published?

Mr. Brown

I can assure my hon. Friend that that is not so. In answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Down (Dr. Little), all students of the social services understand that one of the greatest gaps has been the lack of sickness benefit for dependants.