HC Deb 22 November 1911 vol 31 c1178
Mr. CROOKS

asked whether medical men sitting as members of the local health committees will be allowed to practice under the National Insurance Bill, namely, receive fees for service on attendance upon sick persons?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Membership of a local health committee, which is a purely honorary position, will not debar a doctor either from private practice or from attending patients under the insurance scheme.

Mr. LANSBURY

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he considers it wise procedure that medical men should fix their own rate of pay?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

No, Sir; but I do not think they have that right.

Mr. LANSBURY

Is it true that the health committees will have power to decide as to what persons shall be treated under the Bill?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

A health committee will not be composed entirely of doctors.