§ Sir P. MAGNUSasked what is the present position of the negotiations between the Insurance Commissioners and the representatives of the medical profession; whether any reply has been sent to their letter of 29th February embodying the conditions under which they are prepared to co-operate in the working of the Act; and whether the Commissioners will issue such regulations as will enable them to give effect to the requirements of the medical profession as set forth in their letter?
§ Mr. FELLasked if any progress has been made in the negotiations with the doctors as to the working under the National Insurance Act; and if the six points which they have asked will be agreed to by the Insurance, Commissioners?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe British Medical Association have availed themselves of the opportunity afforded them by the Commissioners to recommend practitioners-experienced in general practice for appointment as members of the Advisory Committee, and the gentlemen so recommended will be appointed on that Committee. The letter of 29th February has been acknowledged. No regulations have, however, yet been considered by the Joint Committee on this matter, as they recognise that this is essentially a subject in which the advice and assistance of the Advisory Committee are desirable.
§ Sir P. MAGNUSMay I ask when the reply is likely to be sent, and, further, whether the Commissioners or the Health Committees have power under the Act to grant the requirements of the medical profession?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI do not know that any reply will be sent except the acknowledgment of the letter, because members of the British Medical Association are going to be appointed on the Advisory Committee which will have to consider the whole question.
§ Sir P. MAGNUSCan the hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of the question?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI think not in question and answer.
§ Sir P. MAGNUSasked whether, in the event of the Insurance Committees or the Insurance Commissioners being unable to satisfy the requirements of the medical profession and consequently deciding to adopt the alternative proposal of the Act, namely, to suspend medical benefit and to return to the insured person the money equivalent to such benefit, the insured person will be free to use that money for any purpose he may think fit; and, if so, whether the insured person would necessarily receive under the Act any medical benefit whatever?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIf the normal scheme of medical benefit laid down in Section 15 is not carried out, not one, as suggested by the hon. Member, but several alternatives are provided by the Act. These include power for the Commissioners themselves to authorise the local insurance committees to make other arrangements for providing medical benefit, or for themselves making such arrangements as they think fit, or for suspending medical benefit for any period, and paying to each insured person an equivalent sum. Even if the last course were adopted, the insured person would be free, though not compelled, to make his own arrangements for medical treatment.