§ 99. Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he is aware of the injustice done to many claimants under the National Health Service by the regulation that notice of incapacity or claims must be submitted within three clear days from the commencement of the incapacity; and what action he proposes to take to deal with the problem.
§ Mr. MarplesI assume that the hon. Member is referring to claimants for 71W sickness benefit under the National Insurance scheme. The regulations already allow substantially longer periods of notice to persons making a first claim and those who are, or have been, in hospital. All the time limits can be extended if there is good cause for delay. The provisions are those recommended by the National Insurance Advisory Committee after a special review of the subject in 1952, and my right hon. Friend sees no reason to change them.