71. Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)asked if the circular dated 31st December, 1912, issued to Post Office medical officers, is intended to imply that their services will be discontinued in the event of their not joining a panel under the National Insurance Act?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)The answer is in the negative. The great majority of Post Office employes are not liable to compulsory insurance, and these persons will in any case remain under the charge of the Post Office medical officers. In Ireland also no question arises on this head. With respect to those Post Office employes who are insurable for medical benefit under the Act, I understand that the Insurance Commissioners are prepared to approve the present Post Office medical system as applicable and its officers as eligible to attend these insured persons. This, of course, does not prejudice the right of the insured persons to the attendance of some other doctor who is on the panel if they should so prefer.
Mr. HALLAm I to understand clearly, because Post Office employes will be glad to know, that in the event of the doctors not being on the panel the employes will still be allowed to have the services of the same medical gentlemen?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI understand that the hon. Gentleman is referring to Post Office medical officers who are not on the panel—yes, they would.