§ Mr. J. H. THOMASasked the Minister of Health whether it is his intention to proceed with the Bill increasing national health contributions?
§ Sir A. MONDIn view of the objection to increasing National Health contributions in present circumstances, I have obtained the concurrence of the Consultative Council on National Health Insurance in securing the economies in State expenditure on National Health Insurance recommended by the Geddes Committee, with certain other economies, on lines different from those suggested by the Committee. The proposal is that all State expenditure on National Health Insurance with certain exceptions, such as the cost of the central administration, the cost of audit and the statutory two-ninths contribution, would be defrayed until the 31st of December, 1923, from the accumulated surpluses of approved societies. This proposal has been accepted by the Government, and legislation to give effect to it is being drafted. Between the 1109W present date and the 31st of December, 1923, the whole position will be reviewed.