§ Mr. G. Macdonaldasked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of persons who have lost all medical and pension rights under the National Health Insurance Acts, owing to prolonged unemployment; and whether he contemplates the taking of such action that will remove this hardship on these unfortunate persons?
§ Mr. ElliotI am aware that prior to the passing of the National Health Insurance and Contributory Pensions Act of 1935 insured persons were in danger of loss of all health insurance and pension rights by reason of prolonged unemployment. The hon. Member will, however, remember that under that Act generous provision was made to avoid such a loss of rights and no such loss can now arise in the case of any person who has been insured for 10 years before becoming unemployed. I have no figures as to the number of persons whose insurance has been terminated after the free period of about 21 months by reason of their not having satisfied the 10 years condition, but I cannot consider that the circumstances are such as to call for amending legislation.