§ Mr. Burdenasked the Minister of National Insurance (1) if he has considered a request from the National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis respecting the hardships imposed on tuberculosis patients who have had their sickness benefits reduced to 5s. per week under the National Insurance (Overlapping Benefits) Provisional Regulations; and what reply has been sent to the Association;
(2) if he will instruct the advisory committee now considering the National Insurance (Overlapping Benefits) Provisional Regulations, to receive a deputation from the National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis, relative to the hardship caused by the present reductions in sickness benefits.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI have received a letter from the National Association about the application of the Overlapping Benefits Regulations to tuberculosis patients in hospital and have passed it for consideration to the National Insurance Advisory Committee. I have no power to instruct this Committee, which is an independent statutory body, as to the manner in which it shall take evidence. I may add, however, that the Overlapping Benefits Regulations, so far as they relate to patients in hospital, are still under consideration by the Committee and I understand that the Committee is prepared to received further evidence bearing on this part of the Regulations from responsible persons or bodies.