§ Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Health what was the number of gipsies and vagrants in this country in the years 1944, 1945 and 1946; and what steps are being taken to bring them within the National Health Insurance scheme or under any of the various requirements of his Department.
§ Mr. BevanI regret that the answer to the first part of the Question is not available. As regards the second part I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of National Insurance that these persons are insurable for Health, Unemployment and Pensions Insurance only if they are working for an employer and the usual steps are taken by the inspectorate, at employer's premises and elsewhere to see that the provisions of the law are complied with. When the National Insurance Act, 1946 takes effect every effort will be made to bring within the scheme all persons who are within its scope, including gipsies and vagrants.