81. Mr. FREDERICK HALL (Dulwich)asked the Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been called to a case in which a person who was a contributor under the National Insurance Act and was employed as a governess in Cornwall fell ill, was medically treated by a panel doctor there, and on getting worse returned home, where the panel doctor refused to treat her on the ground that the doctor in Cornwall would draw the allowance, thus depriving her of her sick pay, although she was a fully paid-up contributor; and, if so, will he say whether the insured person has any claim against the insurance committee or against the doctor for expenses necessarily incurred by her?
Mr. M ASTERMANNo, Sir. My attention has not been called to any case of the kind referred to in the question, but if the 1260 hon. Member will supply me with particulars I shall be glad to make inquiries.
Mr. F. HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it would be possible to have some general exchange for patients, so that insured persons may not be called upon to pay two contributions?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI shall be glad to receive any suggestions to prevent persons paying two contributions, though I am not aware of any case in which they are so doing.