HC Deb 24 February 1938 vol 332 cc567-8W
Mr. Mainwaring

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state to the latest available date how many persons have voluntarily entered insurance under the recent extension of the National Health Insurance Acts?

Sir K. Wood

Up to the 16th February, 127,215 applicants had been admitted to insurance under the Contributory Pensions (Voluntary Contributors) Act, 1937.

Mr. Mainwaring

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of applicants for contributory pensions during 1936 and 1937 declared not qualified on account of too short a period of insurance, but which in each case had a previous period of insurance not now admissible; and what would be the cost to the fund if pensions were granted on the basis of including every year of insurance?

Sir K. Wood

I regret that the information desired by the hon. Member is not available in my Department.