§ 68. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the approved societies are only accepting sickness benefit certificates of insured persons if signed by panel doctors; and, if so, whether this furl her effort to force all medical practitioners on to the panels has the sanction of the Government?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI do not know to what authorities the hon. Member is referring, but as regards the question of medical certificates presented in connection with claims for sickness benefit I have nothing to add to my answer of Wednesday last.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs it understood that insured persons who do not go to doctors 204 on the panel are liable to lose all the benefits, including sickness benefit, which are open to them?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am afraid I do not know what the hon. Gentleman means by "Is it understood?" My answer is quite categorical and specific. The question of whether a person is really ill or not is one for the approved societies and not for the insurance committees.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs it understood that all benefits under the Insurance Act depend upon whether the insured person goes to a doctor on the panel?
§ Mr. MASTERMANOnce more I cannot give an answer unless the hon. Gentleman interprets to me what he means by the question, "Is it understood?"
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs it a fact, then?