72. Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will restate the six principal demands that were made by the Medical Association; how far the Government have been able to meet them; and if the only outstanding question is that of 8s. 6d. as against 6s.?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe six principal demands formulated by the British Medical Association while the Insurance Bill was before Parliament were added to at a meeting of the Association in February last. The complete demands were communicated by the Association to the Joint Committee of Insurance Commissioners in a letter dated 29th February and a reply was sent by the Joint Committee on 26th June. These letters will be presented to-day as a Parliamentary Paper. The reply of the Joint Committee is now receiving the consideration of the Association, and pending such consideration it is impossible to say what points are outstanding. As regards remuneration it will be seen on reference to the letter of 29th February that the demand of the Association is not for 8s. 6d. as compared with the 6s. assumed in the original actuarial estimates, but for 8s. 6d., plus whatever sum may be found necessary for the provision of drugs, and also for extra medical services, the cost of which cannot precisely be estimated.