53. Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)asked whether, under the National Insurance Act, an insured person will be entitled to be treated by his own medical practitioner; and, if so, whether, in the event of a number of doctors refusing to accept service under the Act, any amendment thereof will be sought to meet the situation thus arising?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)The insured person is entitled to a free choice amongst the doctors registered on the panel subject to conditions defined by Section 15 (2) of the Insurance Act. If, however, the doctor 16 of his choice declines to go on the panel, the insured person is not entitled to claim as a right that he should be treated by his own medical practitioner at the expense of the insurance fund.
Mr. F. HALLMay I ask whether, in the event of private medical practitioners not coming on the panel, the insured person is to be at the mercy of the Insurance Commissioners or the insurance committee, and how does that really fit in with Section 15 of the Act and the promises he himself made?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEIf the hon. Member will take the trouble to read the Act he will see that there is only a right of choice amongst doctors on the panel, and that if any private arrangements are made with doctors outside they must be subject to the allowance of the Insurance Committee and the Insurance Commissioners.
Mr. F. HALLMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, when he went into that question, he thought so many medical practitioners would not accept service under the Act?
§ Captain MURRAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is not practically certain now that sufficient doctors will come forward to work the Act?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI prefer not to express an opinion.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSMay I ask whether any objection will be made by the Insurance Commissioners to allowing insurance committees to permit private practitioners in counties to continue for individual patients under Section 15, Subsection (3), of the Act?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI think that would depend entirely upon circumstances?
§ Earl WINTERTONWill the right hon. Gentleman make a general statement as to what he proposes to do in cases of counties where the whole of the doctors have refused to serve?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI should first of all have to wait and see whether there are any counties of the kind.
§ Earl WINTERTONThere are.