HC Deb 15 April 1913 vol 51 cc1798-9
29. Mr. WATT

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his Department wrote in the name of the head of that Department on 31st October, 1911, to the Scottish Clerks' Association to the effect that members of an approved society who were desirous of making their own arrangements for paying their doctors could do so, and that the committee would contribute from the funds out of which medical benefit is payable towards the cost of such medical attendance and treatment?

Mr. ROBERTSON

As I stated in answer to my hon. Friend yesterday, it is proposed to issue a full statement with regard to the position of the Scottish Clerks' Association which will deal with the letter referred to in the question in relation to other communications with the association as to their position under the Insurance Act.

Mr. WATT

Do the Department admit that they have been wrong?

Mr. ROBERTSON

No, my hon. Friend is mistaken. He has read the phrase that "certain arrangements would be possible" to the effect that they would be made, which is quite a different thing.

Mr. J. HOGGE

Is it the case that this recognition depends upon the local insurance committee; and, if so, is it further the case that the Glasgow Insurance Committee have admitted the system, while the Edinburgh Insurance Committee have not?

Mr. ROBERTSON

Obviously I must ask the hon. Member for notice of that question.

Mr. SCOTT DICKSON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the statement to which he referred will be ready?

Mr. ROBERTSON

In a few days I hope, but I cannot give a date.

Mr. GLYN-JONES

May I ask whether the granting of permission to persons to make their own arrangements is not primarily a matter for the discretion of the insurance committees and not of the Commission?

Mr. ROBERTSON

The point arises on the next question.