asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the introduction of legislation to amend the National Health Insurance Act of 1932, so as to extend the pension rights of unemployed people which otherwise will lapse at the end of 1935; and, if not, what steps he intends to take in the matter?

Sir H. YOUNG:

I am riot in a position at present to make any statement on this matter. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that I announced in the course of the Debate on the Second Reading of the Bill of 1932 that the whole position would be reviewed when the first report of the Government Actuary on the financial operation of the Contributory Pensions Acts is received. I hope that that report will be available early in 1935.

The importance of this question arises from the fact that next week there will be a King's Speech, and I want.- to know whether there will be a mention in the King's Speech of legislation oh this matter, and, if not, whether that will debar the Minister from introducing legislation?

Sir H. YOUNG:

Obviously, the hon. Member must await the King's Speech.

But the point is that from the Minister's answer it would appear that he cannot make up his mind until he sees this report, and, in view of that, I want to know whether there will be any legislation on the subject next year?

Sir H. YOUNG:

I think it is as well-known to the hon. Member as to myself, that the undertaking that this matter will be reviewed on receipt of the actuary's report, will be observed in the letter and the spirit.