66. Mr. FREDERICK HALL (Dulwich)asked the Secretary to the Treasury if approved societies have in a number of instances refused to accept certificates for sick pay allowances under the National Insurance Act which have been signed by doctors who are not on the panel; under what regulations this action has been taken; whether it applies in all cases, even although it may be difficult for an insured person to get a certificate from a panel doctor; and if he will consider as to a modification of this procedure?
§ Mr. MASTERMANAs I have stated in answer to several similar questions, it rests with societies to determine what evidence of sickness they will require, subject to appeal to the Commissioners under Section 67.
Mr. F. HALLIs it not a fact that insured persons have now been informed that the certificates of non-panel doctors will be accepted?
§ Mr. MASTERMANPerhaps I may refer the hon. Gentleman to the speech I delivered here yesterday; I dealt very fully with the whole question.
Mr. F. HALLHas that attitude not been adopted in consequence of the action of some of the insured people who could not previously obtain a medical certificate from non-panel doctors?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThere has never been any change in policy; and there has never been any attitude adopted except one, and that is the attitude of carrying out the National Insurance Act.