FILLING A GAP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 4, 6 January 1938, Page 7

FILLING A GAP.

National Insurance for Young

Workers.

BRITAIN'S SOCIAL SERVICES. Brit toh Official Wireless. RUGBY, January 5. The Minister of Health, Sir Ki ngsley. Wood, in his presidential address to the Educational Association, London, said an important gap would be filled in 1!)3S in the national insurance scheme by tiie provision of further medical chic for working boys and girls.

Beginning on April 4, upward of 1.000,000 boys and girls who had not previously been under the scheme would become eligible for medical benefits.

This year also would see a new midwifery service established. Any mother, whatever her circumstances might be, would be able to receive the expert assistance of a midwife, and, if a private doctor was engaged, of a maternity nurse.

It was hoped to pass the Blind Persons Bill soon after Parliament reassembled. This would reduce the age at which pensions arp payable to blind persons from 0 to 40 years.

The Minister said that 1938 also would be an important year for people of limited means who were qualified to benefit under the new black-coated workers' pension scheme.