HC Deb 28 January 1913 vol 47 cc1166-7
78. Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the West Bromwich list of firms from whom drugs and medical appliances can be obtained by insured persons under the terms of the National Insurance Act includes the name of a woman whose sole qualification is that of being a registered (not trained) midwife; and, seeing that it is a breach of medical etiquette for a practitioner to be associated in any professional respect with any person holding the position referred to, will he state what action he proposes to take?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I presume that the person referred to is a person whose name appears on the West Bromwich list as willing to supply drugs (other than scheduled poisons and medicines which require to be dispensed) and appliances. I do not know whether this person is a registered midwife; but, if she is, this would not disqualify her under the Act, nor, so far as I am aware, under any rule of medical etiquette, from supplying such articles to insured persons.

Mr. NEWMAN

Is the lady in question qualified to dispense drugs?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Not unless she is qualified under the Pharmacy Act?

Mr. NEWMAN

Has she an assistant to dispense drugs for her?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I do not know anything about that. If she is not qualified under the Pharmacy Act, she is certainly not qualified to dispense drugs.