HC Deb 12 February 1913 vol 48 c937
62 Mr. TOUCHE

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what is the position under the National Insurance Act of an unregistered druggist, duly apprenticed and in the trade for twenty-eight years, and in business for himself for fourteen years, during which time he has been dispensing prescriptions for customers in a colliery neighbourhood, where practically every customer comes under the National Insurance Act; and will he say how the pledge that no one who was qualified to dispense before the Act would be cut out by the Act applies in this case?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I cannot add anything to the answers which I have already given to similar questions, except that the Commissioners are this afternoon receiving a deputation from unqualified chemists.

Mr. CASSEL

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of appointing a small Committee to inquire into the very numerous cases of hardship that have arisen in consequence of interpretations of the Act?

Mr. MASTERMAN

On first thought that seems to be quite a good idea, and I will consider it.