§ Mr. C. EDWARDSasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider making it compulsory for any amounts due from national approved insurance societies or any other benefit society to a person who has become an inmate of a Poor Law union institution, and who has no dependants, to be paid into the common fund of such union so long as the aforesaid remains chargeable?
§ Dr. ADDISONUnder Section 12 of the National Insurance Act of 1911 as amended, no part of any benefit due in respect of the period of an insured person's residence in a Poor Law institution is payable to the Guardians, and under Section III of the same Act there can be no assignment of or charge of any of the benefits. It is to be remembered that the Guardians retain their ordinary powers of recovery of the whole or part of the cost of maintenance where the circumstances appear to them to justify such a course.
§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that many workpeople are falling into arrears with their health insurance contributions in consequence of widespread unemployment; whether he could arrange for the Labour Exchange officials to be empowered to place stamps upon the cards; or whether the arrears could be remitted altogether during the present period of distress?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Out-of-Work Donation Scheme provides for the payment by the Ministry of Labour of the Health Insurance contributions of persons receiving donation whilst unemployed. There is no corresponding provision in the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920; and to pay the Health contributions of persons receiving unemployment benefit would require statutory authority. The question whether arrears of Health contributions could be remitted entirely during the present industrial depression is one which should be addressed to the Minister of Health.