§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he contemplates taking any steps to prevent the official certifying surgeons acting privately for trade unions or insurance companies in any capacity wherein fees are paid for medical decisions or reports?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt would not be possible to lay down any general rule on the subject because in industrial districts it is often difficult to find a well-qualified medical man who does not hold some appointment in connection with employers or associations of workpeople. The consideration, however, is borne in mind in making appointments, and the Department is always prepared to inquire into any case of grievance that may be brought to its notice. I may add that an appeal lies from decisions of a certifying surgeon under the Workmen's Compensation Act to the medical referee appointed under that Act.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODMay I ask it is not possible where there are several certifying surgeons to arrange that some of those surgeons shall be whole time officials, and thereby not have any private practice or any private interests?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIf my hon. Friend will make a special local case I will give my best attention to it.
§ Mr. JOHN O'CONNORMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will see that it is desirable that doctors who act either for employers or for trade unions should not also be employed as certifying surgeons in compensation cases under the Workmen's Compensation Act?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think I have already answered that.