HOSPITAL FEES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23137, 8 September 1938, Page 15

HOSPITAL FEES

COMPENSATION ISSUE LOSS OF EARNING POWER NO RIGHT OF ATTACHMENT UNDERTAKING BY MR. NASH [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON; Wednesday An undertaking to re-examine the relevant clause in the Social Security Bill with a view to making it clear that compensation paid for loss of earning power could not he attached for the payment of hospital attention was given by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, during the committee stages of the bill in the House of Representatives to-night.

The point was raised by Mr. A. C. A. Sexton .(Independent—Franklin), who said that a person should be entitled to the benefits under the bill and any compensation for himself in addition.

Mr. Nash said that if any sum was awarded under the Workers Compensation Act because of the loss of earning power none would bo attached for the purpose of paying for hospital attention.

Mr. Sexton: But the bill does not say that. It says the very opposite.

Mr. Nash said that the loss of earning power often continued after the completion of hospital treatment. The Minister said a sum received from an insurance company to pay for medical attention was recoverable by a hospital. It was not intended to deprive an individual of benefits to which he was entitled. If a person recovered money_ for the payment of hospital attention, then that should go to tho hospital. But money recovered, for loss of earning power belonged to tho individual. The clause was passed.