38. Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)asked how many whole-time doctors will be required to complete the panels under the National Insurance Act; the total cost of the same; whether a special branch of the Commission will be required to direct and supervise their work; and, if so, what arrangements are proposed to be made in the matter?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe accession of doctors to the panels during the past few days has been so rapid as to make it impossible to state where, if at all, any opportunity for the establishment of a salaried service will occur. It is possible that such a service will be instituted in three or four districts, but no statement can be made at present.
Mr. HALLIf the rush of doctors to join the panels has been so rapid, how does the right hon. Gentleman account for the large deficiency in the London area?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am not aware of any deficiency in the London area.
Mr. HALLIs the number of doctors in the London area sufficient to carry out the duties under the Insurance Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have not examined the numbers, but I should think from what I have seen that there will be more than sufficient.