§ Mr. ASTORasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether members of friendly societies who, owing to the possession of a pension, have obtained exemption from contribution under the National Insurance Act now have to pay more for medical attendance than they paid before the Act came into operation; and whether it is proposed to utilise a portion of the contributions of their employers to reduce the amount so payable for medical attendance?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThere is nothing in the National Insurance Act to compel any person to apply for exemption, although he may be qualified to obtain it. In the case of those members of friendly societies who may have obtained exemption on any ground, I know of no reason why the fact that doctors are receiving an additional Grant in respect of insured members should make them demand an increase in the rates they have hitherto been receiving for those of their friendly society patients who are not insured. The question of applying the employers' contributions in respect of exempt persons is under consideration.