3 MAY 1930, Page 3

explained the work of the Ministry, of Health. The most

remarkable_ fact laid before the. House was the serious increase of the claims for benefit under the National Health Insurance Scheme as shown in the Actuary's Report. Mr. Greenwood recognized that further inquiry on• this subject was necessary, and he stated that it was already being undertaken by administrative officials and the Approved Societies. He himself thought that the causes of the increase in claims were nnemployment—" the unemployed person goes sick more quickly than the employed "—the growth of the excellent practice of seeking advice in the early stages of illness, and a certain laxity of certification and administration. The last cause was obviously eradicable and he contemplated disciplinary action against lax practitioners. • * *