HC Deb 10 March 1952 vol 497 cc1012-3
55. Mr. R. W. Sorensen

asked the Minister of National Insurance, in view of the hardship of the refusal to pay maternity grants in respect of British subjects temporarily employed by the United Kingdom High Commission in Germany, whether he will take steps to remove this grievance and thus entitle contributors to secure the benefits for which they have contributed.

Mr. Peake

I am looking into this matter, in the light of the recommendations made by the National Insurance Advisory Committee in their recent report on maternity benefit, and hope to be able to make an announcement very shortly.

Mr. Sorensen

Are we to understand that the announcement will be in respect of this particular anomaly?

Mr. Peake

Yes, Sir.

Miss Ward

May I ask my right hon. Friend to bear in mind that, since we pay health benefits to foreigners, it is wrong that these people, our own nationals, should be in this position?

Mr. Peake

I fully appreciate that. There are a number of defects in the Regulations which we have inherited from our predecessors, and I hope that in due course we shall put them all right.