§ Mr. GIBBSasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he would be willing to favourably consider an Amendment to the National Insurance Bill providing for the compensation of such medical men as shall be able to prove financial loss owing to the operation of the Act?
Mr. FRED HALLhad given notice of the following question: To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if medical men can prove that they will suffer financial loss owing to the operation of the State insurance scheme he will be prepared to take the necessary steps to compensate them?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI answered this question on Thursday. Though it appears in the Official Report in the hon. Member's own name, it was, if I recollect right, put by the Noble Lord the Member for the Chorley Division of Lancashire (Lord Balcarres). Perhaps I may be permitted to refer the hon. Member for Dulwich (Mr. Fred Hall) to the same reply in regard to his question.
Mr. FRED HALLIf it can be proved that this loss is sustained will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to compensate medical men?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThat is a purely hypothetical question. We anticipate that they will not make a loss but a gain.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether similar consideration will be given to the agents of collecting societies?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI do not quite see the association between the two.