§ Mr. Buchananasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Charles O'Donnell, 167, Gorbals Street, Glasgow, has been refused payment of maternity benefit, although he is in full benefit with the National Health Insurance, on the grounds that his wife is resident in Eire; and, in view of the fact that Mr. O'Donnell was born in Scotland and has never lived outside, will he take steps to have this case reconsidered?
Mr. JohnstonIn terms of the National Health Insurance Act, 1936, maternity benefit is the mother's benefit, and not her husband's. I am informed that benefit has been withheld from Mrs. O'Donnell, who has never been a resident in the 1419W United Kingdom, on account of the disqualification enacted by Section 66 of the Act as regards persons resident outside the United Kingdom.