§ Mr. Loganasked the Minister of Health whether he is now able to report in regard to the consultations between his Department and the National Conference delegation respecting curtailment of National Health Insurance work; is he prepared to bring an efficient simplified system into operation; and whether he will take steps to see that such improvements are instituted so as to be operative during the half-year ending 5th July, 1942?
§ Miss HorsbrughMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend have recently reviewed the administration of National Health Insurance with a view to effecting the maximum economy in man-power. Throughout this review they have been in the closest touch with their respective consultative councils to whose advice and assistance they are greatly indebted. Some of the more important economies decided upon will be embodied in a circular which is to be issued to approved societies very shortly, and others will be announced so soon as the necessary Regulations have been made under the war-time powers conferred by Section 8 of the National Health Insurance Act, 1941. These emergency measures for the simplification of work will be brought into operation from the earliest practicable dates, so that societies may be afforded the greatest possible relief in the current half-year.