§ Sir D. NEWTONasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the hardship entailed on members of friendly societies who, on reaching the age of 65, may become permanently unemployed and are thereby prevented from maintaining the necessary payments; and whether he is prepared to introduce legislation exempting such members, on application, from contributing at the age of 65 while at the same time providing for a continuance of their medical benefits?
§ Lord E. PERCYMy right hon. Friend's attention has been called to the matter referred to by the hon. Member, and he has undertaken to give careful consideration to the question of the inclusion in the next Bill to amend the National Health Insurance Acts of a Clause to enable insured persons who cease employment between the ages of 65 and 70 to remain entitled to medical benefit on payment of a weekly contribution sufficient to cover the cost of that benefit.