86 and 87. MARQUESS of TULLIBAR-DINEasked (1) whether on an average being taken of a Highland doctor's practice, it has been found to work out at four miles per patient per annum; and whether he expects doctors to work the National Insurance Act at a loss, especially when, in the weather at present prevailing, they have to hire double-teamed conveyances to get them through the snow; (2) whether unrest among and hardship to doctors is being caused in Highland districts by no decision being 606 given as to mileage; that they went on to the panel provisionally on the understanding that mileage would be given by the local committee, and are now informed that no arrangement has yet been made; what do the Treasury intend to do; to what amount, and when; and will the allowance be antedated to the 15th January?
§ Mr. MASTERMANAs the Noble Lord is aware, the whole question of medical attendance in the Highlands and Islands has been the subject of investigation by a Committee, which reported about a fortnight ago. That Report and the general question of mileage in sparsely populated districts is now under consideration, and I hope to be able to make an announcement at an early date.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEWill the right hon. Gentleman not undertake to make the mileage retrospective, and so allay a good deal of trouble; and is it fair to expect a doctor, often in bad circumstances, to lose over the Insurance Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI should like to be able to do this, but I cannot promise anything at present.
§ Mr. KINGAre the doctors raising their prices on ordinary patients there, as they are in many cases in London?
§ Mr. MASTERMANNo; I have no knowledge of that at all.