HC Deb 29 June 1944 vol 401 cc780-1
13. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the wife of a serving soldier giving up work of national importance, suffering from the incipient stages of tuberculosis, is not entitled to any of the benefits of the special scheme of his department because she has no dependants; and if he will consider extending the scheme to cover this and similar cases.

Mr. Willink

Payment of special allowances would not be justified when, as in the case to which my hon. Friend refers, an individual is already in receipt of an allowance from Exchequer funds which enables him or her to undertake treatment without hardship.

Mr. Davies

Will not the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider revising the scheme, especially in view of the adverse effects on the soldier when he knows his wife is suffering from tuberculosis and is not entitled to the benefits of his scheme?

Mr. Willink

I am sympathetic with those who see difficulties in the scheme but it is one designed to do the very best we can and to give the greatest help we can in present circumstances.