Uninsured Persons (Application Forms)

HC Deb 23 March 1948 vol 448 cc2758-9

34. Mr. Shurmer

asked the Minister of National Insurance what arrangements are being made for the admission to the National Insurance scheme of persons who are not at present insured.

Mr. J. Griffiths

As from 5th April, forms of application for National Insurance contribution cards, which are to be stamped from 5th July, will be obtainable from post offices, employment exchanges, and local National Insurance offices. Everyone liable to pay contributions under the National Insurance scheme and not at present insured, should complete one of these forms and send it as soon as possible, and before 24th April, to the nearest employment exchange. Information as to the persons who should apply, and those who may be excepted, will appear in the Press shortly before 5th April. Explanatory leaflets will be available at exchanges and the local offices of my Department. The arrangements to admit newcomers to this comprehensive scheme are being made as simple as possible. I hope that all those affected will study the information which is being made available, and will do their best to help to make the arrangements work smoothly.

Captain John Crowder

Is the Minister aware that these forms contain the words "I hereby apply" to belong to, or to join, whatever the words are? Surely, if people do not want to join, these particulars are not required? Cannot the wording of the form be altered, because, otherwise, the Minister would have files in his office showing that people who may not want to join had applied to do so?

Mr. Griffiths

They have to join unless the Act provides for their exemption. This just applies to registration at the appropriate date.

Mr. Lipson

Will those people who are not entitled to apply because of age be able to benefit from the National Health Service.

Mr. Griffiths

Yes, Sir; they will.

Mr. Mitchison

Will the explanatory leaflet be available at post offices, and, if not, why not?

Mr. Griffiths

We are asking the Post Office to do an enormous amount of work in operating this scheme, and we are very grateful to them for the work they do. We are anxious to avoid overloading them, and it is not too much to ask that people who want the leaflet should apply for it to the local employment exchange.