§ 34. Sir HENRY CRAIKasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that certain societies have refused to pay sick allowance to insured persons unless the specific nature of the illness is stated in the medical certificate; what security such insured persons have against the publicity which may be given to confidential medical certificates by the travelling agents of the society; and whether the Commissioners could give some protection in such a case, especially to women. upon whose health such a specification of disease may have serious detrimental effects?
Mr. MASTER MANWith regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the Noble Lord the Member for Wigton on 24th June. With regard to the second and third parts, I have not the slightest doubt that a society would take the severest measures in any case in which one of their agents divulged confidential information of the character referred to, given to him by the insured person, and if any case is brought to their notice the Commissioners will at once communicate with the society concerned.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that doctors are often unwilling to give specific information even to patients?