§ Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Health the amounts advanced to approved societies to meet claims for benefits and administration expenses for 1939 and 1940, respectively; and whether, bearing in mind the considerable number of insured persons serving in the Forces who are not entitled to most of the benefits, he will give an assurance that no undue strain is caused on the funds of the National Health Insurance Scheme?
Mr. M. MacDonaldAs regards the first part of the Question, the sums issued from the National Health Insurance Fund (England) to Approved Societies to meet the cost of benefits and administration were as follow—
£ 1939 20,613,000 1940 21,249,000 As regards the second part, the hon. Member will appreciate that while a member is serving in the Forces he is not entitled to sickness and disablement benefits and that the expenses of administration are also reduced. The special contribution for this class, namely, 3d. a week, together with the State grant, is estimated to be sufficient to provide for the limited benefits during service and for 824W the man's resumption of ordinary insurance after discharge.