§ Sir PHILIP MAGNUSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the terms of the pledge contained in a document addressed by the medical secretary of the British Medical Association to an members of the medical profession, whether engaged in club practice or not, and to the form of resignation of contract practice appointments now held by club doctors to be used in the event of the Commissioners being unable to arrange terms of practice satisfactory to the medical profession; and if so, what action he proposes to take; and whether, having regard to the document issued by the British Medical Association, it is still the intention of the Government to bring the Insurance Act into operation on 15th July of this year, notwithstanding the fact that any Act for the cure of sickness and prevention of disease cannot become operative without the assistance and voluntary support of members of the medical profession?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI am aware that statements have been made in the Press 387 as to a form of pledge which is alleged to have been issued by the British Medical Association to members of the medical profession in reference to conditions which were in existence before the Insurance Act was introduced, and which that Act neither extends nor perpetuates. The pledge appears only to relate to action to be taken if the Commissioners and Insurance Committees fail to come to agreement with medical men as to work under the Act. Negotiations will commence as soon as the Advisory Committee meets. The first meeting has been fixed for Friday next. Medical benefit does not commence until next January, and no decision on this matter is necessary before bringing into operation such portion of the Act as comes into effect in July. Moreover, the general operation of the Act cannot be affected by any decision as to the particular form medical benefit may take, whether the panel system with free choice of doctor or the alternatives of special arrangements by the Insurance Committees or Commissioners with the approved societies or the payment of a monetary equivalent to each insured person.
Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is still of opinion that medical benefit will take place as from January next?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEYes, Sir.
§ Mr. J. WARDTo finally settle this matter, why not agree to place to the credit of each insured person something within at least a reasonable sum of what is to be paid?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEAs I pointed out in the answer I gave, that is one of the possible alternatives.
§ Mr. J. WARDWhy not decide it at once?