HC Deb 20 July 1939 vol 350 cc754-5W
Mr. White

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange that no militiamen be posted for duty before they have been told the amount of the allowances to be made to their dependants?

Sir V. Warrender

It is hoped to arrange this in future.

Captain Elliston

asked the Minister of Labour whether, except in cases of urgent emergency, Militia recruits requiring artificial dentures may be directed to secure treatment in the manner authorised by the National Health Insurance Act, namely, by obtaining dental letters from their approved societies for presentation to any registered dentist?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I have been asked to reply. Militiamen reporting sick on dental grounds during training will receive any necessary treatment from the Army, free of charge, including artificial dentures, when they are essential. While under training, they will not be eligible for dental benefits under the National Health Insurance Act. Those militiamen who were insured persons under the National Health Insurance Act before being called up for service will continue to be insured throughout their training, the whole of the contributions being paid from Army funds. They will, therefore, re-enter civil life in exactly the same position with regard to dental benefits in their approved societies as if they had remained in insured civil employment.