HC Deb 16 November 1933 vol 281 cc1129-30W
Mr. LOGAN

asked the Minister of Health the number of cards issued in respect of employed persons over the age of 65 under the National Health Insurance Acts?

Sir H. YOUNG

The number of cards issued in respect of these persons employed for one or more weeks during the first half of this year was approximately 330,000.

Mr. LOGAN

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether a person unemployed from July, 1932, to July, 1933, and who pays half the arrears of contributions to health and pension insurance will receive any monetary benefits for sickness or disablement in the year 1934;

(2) what benefits, other than free doctor and medicine and the conservation of pension rights, are available for a person unemployed for 12 months and who pays half the arrears due to unemployment in accordance with the Insurance Act, 1932?

Sir H. YOUNG

A person who will be entitled to remain in health insurance after the end of this year and was continuously unemployed from July, 1932, to July, 1933, will be credited with 26 contributions, in respect of that period, and even if no arrears be paid will be entitled to medical and maternity benefits during the year 1934 in addition to the conservation of his pensions rights. By paying 10 arrears at 9d. within the time allowed he will become entitled to sickness and disablement benefits at the minimum rates in the year 1934, but the title to such benefits will not commence until four weeks after the date of payment of the arrears. The payment of further arrears, will secure higher rates of sickness and disablement benefits.