HC Deb 05 November 1912 vol 43 cc1029-30
31. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked whether, in the revised system of payment of the doctors for their services under the National Insurance Act, any difference will be made in the mileage allowance for urban and country practitioners, respectively?

Mr. MASTERMAN

No part of the new Grant which Parliament will be asked to make is specifically ear-marked for mileage, but this does not prevent an arrangement for this purpose being made. The distribution of the total sum to be provided for medical remuneration, and the assignment of special portions to special services, is largely a matter for the medical profession, and any proposals which appear to command the general support of the profession will receive careful consideration.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the expenses under this head of the rural, practitioners are considerably more than those of the urban practitioners?

Mr. MASTERMAN

That is so, but rural practitioners would have several compensating advantages in other arrangements such as the provision of drugs.

Sir H. CRAIK

May I ask if the remuneration left to the doctors will depend upon the largeness or the smallness of the amount they require for mileage?

Mr. MASTERMAN

No special payment for mileage will be included in the total amount, amounting I think to something like 9s. per head for doctors and drugs.

Sir H. CRAIK

The doctors will lose as the mileage increases?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The doctors will get the mileage allowance.

Mr. FALCONER

May I ask whether any allowance for mileage to country doctors will necessarily come off the allowance to the town doctors?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Not necessarily; it all depends upon what representations are made by the medical profession to us as to how best to distribute the money.

Mr. LLOYD

Will not the doctors loss if the mileage increases?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The mileage will be paid to the doctors?

Sir G. YOUNGER

Out of the General Fund?