49. Mr. FRED HALLasked if an agreement has yet been arrived at with the medical profession with regard to the administration of medical benefit under the National Insurance Act; and, if not, whether the Government has decided to postpone bringing this part of the Act into force?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEAs it is open to any practitioner who desires to have his name placed upon the first panel lists, to send in his name at any time up to the 31st December next, it would be undesirable to make any statement before that date.
Mr. HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that five times the number of doctors have declared against serving as have agreed to serve, and that only 20 per cent, have agreed to serve under the altered regulations?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEAs far as I can see not half the medical profession have voted on the subject.
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI have no official information on the subject.