NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE AND CONTRIBUTORY PENSIONS (EMERGENCY PROVISIONS) BILL.

HL Deb 03 September 1939 vol 114 c980

Brought from the Commons; and read 1^a.

Then, Standing Order No. XXXIX having been suspended:

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE

My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time. The object of the Bill is to secure that persons insured under the schemes of national health insurance and contributory pensions do not suffer any loss of rights under those schemes by reason of joining the armed forces of the Crown, or entering upon war occupations, and that on return to civil life all such persons will find themselves in the same position as if they had been continuously in insurable employment throughout their period of service or war occupation. The Bill further provides that double payments from public funds are not to be made in respect of the same event. The approved societies are safeguarded against having to make payments for which no financial provision is made in the scheme of national health insurance. There are further provisions in the Bill by which insured persons will be able to receive payment of benefit or pensions notwithstanding that some record affecting their title may not be available when the claim arises. I do not think it is necessary that I should explain the Bill further, but I will do my best to answer any questions that may be put to me.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 2^a.—(The Duke of Devonshire.)

On Question, Bill read 2^a: Committee negatived.

Bill read 3^a, and passed, and a Message sent to the Commons to acquaint them therewith.

House adjourned during pleasure.

House resumed.