§ Mr. CLYNESasked whether any extra fees, in the nature of mileage, will be allowed in respect to doctors who have to travel long distances in order to visit their patients?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThis would be a matter for the doctor concerned to arrange with the society or health committee, subject to the arrangement being to the satisfaction of the Insurance Commissioners.
Mr. PIKE PEASEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he was aware that the conditions of the National Insurance Bill, in regard to medical treatment, have roused dissatisfaction amongst the general medical practitioners throughout the United Kingdom; whether, in view of the fact that their cordial support is essential to the success of the scheme, he would consider changes in his proposals likely to satisfy the medical profession; whether he had sought the information or advice of those who justly claim to represent general medical practitioners; and, if so, with what result?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEWith regard to the first and second portions of the question, I think I made the position clear in my speech during the discussion on the Second Reading last Monday. With regard to the concluding portion, I have seen representatives of the British Medical Association twice—once before and once since the introduction of the Bill. I have also seen representatives of the General Medical Council, and I have consulted from time to time other representatives of the medical profession. Moreover, I have carefully perused the able report of the British Medical Association on contract practice.