§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
THE EARL OF ONSLOWMy Lords, this is a Bill to consolidate the existing enactments relating to national health insurance. The original Act was passed in toil. There have been a great many Acts since then, and it is necessary to do something to consolidate all that legislation. I think the present Bill presents the statutory position in a convenient form, and I have no doubt it will be heartily welcomed by the approved societies. I should add that as soon as it is passed into law we shall undertake the duty of consolidating the many statutory Regulations which govern national health insurance. The other day, on the occasion of the Second Reading of the Housing Bill, I mentioned to your Lordships that it was the intention of the Ministry of Health to consolidate legislation in regard to housing. I may supplement that by saying that it is our intention to consolidate all the legislation of this kind—housing and national health. National health is the first instalment, and I hope that it may be followed by others of the same nature dealing with legislation for which the Ministry of Health is responsible. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a—(The Earl of Onslow.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a.
THE EARL OF ONSLOWI beg to move that the Bill be referred to the Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills.
§ Moved, That the Bill be referred to the Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills.—(The Earl of Onslow.)
§ LORD MUIR MACKENZIEMy Lords, I have looked through this Bill as a Consolidation Bill, and, as the noble Earl has said, it is one that would go naturally to the Consolidation Bill Committee. The only thing I desire to say is that I hardly suppose the noble Earl expects that the Committee will take the Bill before the Recess.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and Bill committed to the Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills accordingly.