MAJORITY REPORT. 
the productive capacity of the country should, from time to time, 
be struck, even though this can probably be done only in a very 
general way and without reduction to any precise formula, of 
which, indeed, the conditions do not permit. If, ignoring such 
considerations of prudence, the rate of expenditure outruns in 
a substantial way the productive capacity of the country, the 
result must surely be to stultify the aims which the nation has 
set before itself. It is small consolation to a bankrupt to be told 
that his doctor’s bills have been the main cause of his disaster. 
152. These considerations are, we think, relevant to our 
reference in view of the wide and costly extensions of the Health 
Insurance Scheme which have been urged on us from many 
quarters. We have every sympathy for such proposals and every 
desire that this country should maintain that leadership in the 
provision of social services which it has certainly shown to the 
world. At the same time we feel that there may come a time, and 
that in fact there has come a time when the State may justifiably 
turn from searching its conscience to exploring its purse, and that 
in connexion with our present reference we are entitled to direct. 
attention to this grave problem, and to frame our recommenda- 
tions in the light—or the darkness—of the economic condition 
of the nation. 
153. We therefore make the definite recommendation that 
only such extensions or modifications as involve no expenditure 
or can be met within the present financial resources of the 
scheme, should be considered as immediately practicable. This. 
implies that, in our opinion, there should be no increase at the 
present time in the rates of contribution under the scheme. We 
consider also that the scheme should be self-supporting subject 
to the payment by the Exchequer of its present proportionate: 
share of the cost of benefits and their administration, together 
with the cost of the general supervision of the Scheme by the 
Ministry of Health and the Scottish Board of Health. = We 
recommend that beyond these charges no further liability should 
rest on the Exchequer in any circumstances. This would involve: 
the repeal of the provision of the Act under which the Exchequer 
is contingently liable to make a contribution to the Central Fund.