HC Deb 06 February 1913 vol 48 cc31-2
61. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked whether any panel of doctors under the National Insurance Act, other than that of the Isle of Ely, has been closed; if so, which; and what arrangements have been made in the circumstances?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The Shropshire Insurance Committee have made special arrangements—which are generally similar in character to those adopted in the Wisbech and Chatteris districts in the Isle of Ely—in one district, that of Bridgnorth, in which there was not a sufficient number of doctors available for the panel system; and I am informed that another district is now under consideration by an insurance committee.

69. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of statements to the contrary now being made by agents of approved societies, he will consider the advisability of issuing a circular informing all insured persons that there is no compulsion upon them to select a panel doctor if they wish to obtain medical benefit under the National Insurance Act?

Mr. MASTERMAN

No insured person is compelled to select a panel doctor, but payment out of the Insurance Fund can only be made for medical attendance under the conditions laid down by the Act and Regulations.

70. Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

asked whether it is permissible for a doctor to accept more insured persons on his list than he can possibly attend himself in illness, with a view to engaging assistants to attend them instead of himself?

Mr. MASTERMAN

No, Sir. No doctor aught to accept more insured persons upon his list than he considers he can personally be responsible for. An assistant not on the panel may only treat insured persons oh behalf of his principal when the latter is precluded by urgency of other professional duties, absence from home, or other reasonable cause from giving personal attendance to an insured person under his care. If the assistant is on the panel, the insured person may choose either the assistant or the principal, or may express his willingness to be attended by either.

Mr. F. HALL

Do the Government intend to make any Regulation as to the number of insured persons that any doctor on the panel may take?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I do not. think any general Regulation, but, of course, it is the duty of the insurance committee to see that no doctor takes more patients than he can adequately attend.