HC Deb 03 March 1942 vol 378 cc523-5W
Miss Rathbone

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that some women war workers, and in particular married women, recently recruited into industry are being denied admission to approved societies; and what steps he has taken to see that these persons, who have responded to the call for National Service, and are required to pay contributions under the National Health Insurance Acts, are put into a position to secure the normal benefits of those Acts?

Mr. E. Brown

From inquiries which I have made it would appear that nearly 90 per cent, of women, including married women, who entered insurance in England in 1940 (the last year for which such information is available) secured admission to approved societies shortly after their entry into insurance, and that of the balance of about 10 per cent, many took no steps to join societies, although they were as deposit contributors individually advised by the Central Department of the advantages of society membership. I have no reason for thinking that the position is any less favourable at the present time, but I have recently discussed with my consultative council the urgent necessity of admitting to society membership any war worker of either sex who seeks to secure the full cover of the National Health Insurance Scheme through the normal approved society channels. I am glad to be able to announce that the members of the council, which is representative of all types of approved societies, recognised the urgent importance of this question, and unanimously gave the fullest assurances that they would at once do everything possible to facilitate the admission of war workers to societies. I for my part have assured the council that after the war, as part of a general review of the effect of the war on the finances of National Health Insurance, any adverse effect on societies resulting from the admission of these workers will be most sympathetically considered. In the very few cases which may arise in which a war worker is in any difficulty in this matter my Department will be ready to assist in securing admission to an approved society.

Mrs. Hardie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that some married women war workers in Scotland have had difficulty in securing admission to approved societies and thus qualifying for the full benefits of the National Health Insurance Acts; and whether he is taking any action in the matter?

Mr. Johnston

Representations have been made to me that a number of insured war workers, particularly married women, have been unable to obtain entry into approved societies. I accordingly discussed the matter with the Scottish Consultative Council of Approved Societies who, recognising the necessity for ensuring to these workers the normal benefits of the health and pensions schemes, have agreed that all possible steps should be taken to facilitate their admission to approved societies. I have assured the council that after the war, as part of a general review of the effect of the war on the finances of the National Health Insurance, any adverse effect on societies resulting from the admission of these workers will be most sympathetically considered. I hope that these arrangements will obviate the difficulties which have occurred in the past. If any further case of difficulty is reported to my Department, I have arranged that assistance will be given in securing admission to an approved society.