asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, because unemployed persons are now not in medical benefit with approved societies because of the 1932 Health Insurance Act, they have to pay 9d. per week to their club doctor, whereas when they were employed and in benefit they had only to pay 5d. per week for their families; and will he consider the question of restoring medical benefits?

As regards the first part of the question, my right hon. Friend took note of the information given by the hon. Member in his speech in Committee of Supply on Friday last, but the terms on which medical attention is to be provided by private practitioners to persons who are not entitled to medical benefit under the scheme of National Health Insurance is a matter beyond my right hon. Friend's competence. In reply to the latter part of the question the position under the schemes of health insurance and contributory pensions of persons who have suffered from prolonged unemployment will be considered in the light of the first report of the Government Actuary on the financial operation of the Contributory Pensions Acts.

Is it the intention that the Acts should operate so as to enable these people to get benefits?

Of course, that will be considered.

In view of the very great distress which is being caused to people who are suffering from prolonged unemployment and who have fallen out of the contributory pensions scheme, can the hon. Gentleman let us know when the report of the actuary is expected to be available?

The report will naturally go to the Treasury. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a question down to that Department.