HC Deb 14 July 1913 vol 55 cc864-5
29. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the Secretary to the Treasury out of what fund the chemists are paid for medicines supplied to persons suffering from tuberculosis and receiving sanatorium benefit in the form of domiciliary treatment under the National Insurance Act; and what steps are taken to secure that they are not paid out of the Drug Fund for medical benefit?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The cost of medicines supplied to insured persons in receipt of domiciliary treatment for tuberculosis is payable out of the Sanatorium Benefit Fund. With regard to the second part of the question, the Commissioners have suggested that special prescription forms should be used, or alternatively that the ordinary prescription forms should bear the words "Sanatorium Benefit," or some other distinctive mark, in order to avoid the possibility of the cost of the items ordered thereon being charged to the Medical Benefit Fund.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Is there not great danger of the two being confused?

Mr. MASTERMAN

It is because of that danger that the Commissioners have suggested this special arrangement.