§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the widespread industrial depression and distress among workpeople, he will obtain powers for arrears of Health Insurance contributions to be remitted during the period of the present emergency?
§ Dr. ADDISONAn allowance of four weeks' unemployment and any weeks of sickness in each year is already made before an insured person is subject to any reduction of benefits for arrears under National Health Insurance, and if the arrears exceed this allowance, an opportunity is given to the insured person to make a comparatively trifling payment between July and November of each year in order to avoid any reduction of benefits. In these circumstances 1454W I do not think it necessary to make the exceptional arrangements suggested by the hon. Member.