§ 28. Dr. Littleasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the trying circumstances under which recipients of Health Insurance benefits are placed owing to the increased cost of living; and, in view of this, whether he will take immediate steps to have these benefits substantially increased.
§ Mr. WillinkThe whole future of Health Insurance is under consideration in connection with the Government's social insurance proposals, and I cannot make any statement on the matter in advance of the White Paper.
§ Dr. LittleAs this matter is most pressing and urgent, and the need great, will my right hon. and learned Friend further the interests of these Health Insurance recipients by increasing the benefits?
§ Mr. WillinkI think that the value of the Health Insurance benefits is universally recognised.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIs the Minister aware that, when the present Prime Minister was Chancellor of the Exchequer, he re- 2066 duced the State subsidy to Health Insurance by £2,250,00o per annum; and that if he had not done so, this question would not have arisen?
§ Mr. WillinkNo, Sir; my memory is not so good as that of my hon. Friend.