§ Mr. SANDYSasked how many representatives of the medical profession are to be included amongst the Insurance Commissioners, on the Advisory Committee, and on the local Health Committees, respectively; and whether it is intended under the National Insurance Bill to sanction the appointment of local Medical Committees with powers to act in conjunction with local Health Committees for the purpose of making suitable arrangements in connection with the administration of medical benefits?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe Insurance Commissioners will be an executive not a representative body, but my right hon. Friend intends at least one of their number to be a medical man. The medical profession will certainly be represented on the Advisory Committee, but the precise number of representatives cannot be settled until the numbers of the committee and the other classes of persons to be represented have been decided on. The local Health Committee must, under the proposals of the Bill include at least two qualified medical practitioners.
§ Mr. SANDYSCan the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI think that is covered by the last part of my answer.
§ Mr. SANDYSIt is covered very imperfectly.