§ 69. Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the charge made for doctors' notes (for the purpose of claiming sick benefit under the Insurance Act), amounting in most cases to 2s. 6d. each, in the district of Belfast; and whether any action will be taken by the Insurance Commissioners, or any arrangement be made, whereby a sum more in consonance with the cost of such notes in this country might be established?
§ Mr. MASTERMANAs my right hon. Friend stated in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Waterford, on the 9th instant, the Government will submit proposals for the Grant of a sum of £50,000 towards expenses incurred in Ireland in connection with the National Insurance Act in consequence of the absence of medical 1502 benefit in that country, such sum to be expended in accordance with a scheme to be submitted to the Treasury by the Irish Commissioners. This sum will be in part available for contributions towards the cost, at reasonable terms, of medical certificates granted in connection with claims to sickness benefit. I would point out, however, that societies are not bound to require medical certificates as evidence of illness, and, if excessive fees are demanded for such certificates, they can adopt alternative methods for obtaining such evidence.