§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of National Insurance by what number the total number of references to regional medical officers for the 12 months ended 16W on 20th September, 1949, fell short of the total number of references by approved societies in 1938.
§ Mr. J. Griffiths:During the war this service was largely suspended and was only restored in a modified form in 1945. References by approved societies, which in 1938 had reached about 496,000, did not exceed about 150,000 in any of the years between 1945 and 1948. In the 12 months ended 30th September last. 230,255 cases of sickness and injury benefit were referred by my officers. In the last quarter references were being made at the rate of about 330,000 per annum and I anticipate that the number of references will continue to increase for some time to come.