§ Mr. WATERSONasked the Minister of Health seeing that many ex-soldiers now 56W disabled and drawing disability pensions were contributors to the National Health Insurance, whether he will now consult with the Minister of Pensions as to reviewing the decision arrived at which debars these men from receiving the National Health Benefits; and, if not, whether he will explain the reason for refusing these men the benefit they have contributed towards for many years?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe reduction of sickness and disablement benefits, which applies only in the case of men in receipt of 100 per cent. pensions, was recommended by a Select Committee in 1915. The repeal of the statutes under which this reduction is made would impose upon approved societies a liability which the contributions were never intended to cover, and would endanger the financial basis of National Insurance. But the Act of 1917 provides for the return to full benefit of men whose working capacity is re-established.