National Health Insurance.

Oral Answers to Questions — Public Health. – in the House of Commons at on 23 June 1938.

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Mr. Jenkins:

asked the Minister of Health whether any steps are being taken with a view to getting agreement amongst the approved societies under the National Health Insurance Act to bring about an equalisation of benefits; and, if not, will he give consideration to the advisability of doing so?

Photo of Mr Walter Elliot Mr Walter Elliot , Glasgow Kelvingrove

As the hon. Member will appreciate, a complete equalisation of benefits under National Health Insurance would be inconsistent with the retention of the approved society system of administration and I do not think there is any prospect of getting agreement amongst approved societies in favour of such a change.

Mr. Jenkins:

In view of the fact that there are such great differences between the rates paid under National Health Insurance, and in view also of the varying incidence of sickness upon different approved societies, will the Minister take steps to make the National Health Insurance scheme really national in character?

Mr. Whiteley:

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Royal Commission recommended at least partial pooling?

Photo of Mr Walter Elliot Mr Walter Elliot , Glasgow Kelvingrove

The hon. Member knows as well as I do the difficulties which would arise from any such course.