54. Mr. F. HALLasked the Secretary to the Treasury how many doctors have been placed upon the panels of medical men under the National Insurance Act in England; and how many of them have been furnished with a register of insured persons for whom they are responsible in order that they may check applicants for medical treatment?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNThe number of medical practitioners on the different panels is about 18,000. I am unable at present to say how many of these doctors have received final lists of the insured persons for whose treatment they will be responsible. Such final lists cannot be supplied until the process of allocation of insured persons who have not chosen their doctor has been completed. In the meantime the doctors have no difficulty in checking applications for treatment from insured persons who have already been accepted by them.
§ Mr. GWYNNEAre we to understand that in the meantime no doctor has more patients than he can attend?
§ Mr. BENNI think I have answered that question. The whole matter is dealt with by the insurance committees who will see that no doctor has more patients than he can manage.