HC Deb 24 July 1913 vol 55 cc2214-5
71. Major WHITE

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed unanimously last week by the Manchester Medical Committee, repudiating his reference to a Manchester committee of an equal number of medical men and representatives of the approved societies as his authority for the charges against the medical profession of Lancashire with regard to the issuing by medical men, owing to a feeling of hostility to the National Insurance Act, of unwarranted certificates and calling upon him to substantiate these charges; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

72. Mr. GLAZEBROOK

also asked a question to the same effect; and whether he will comply with the demand for substantiation or withdrawal of the charge?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)

My right hon. Friend asks to say that he has nothing to add to the answer which was given yesterday to the hon. Member for Glasgow University.

Mr. WHYTE

May I ask if we are to understand definitely there is no charge, although one was at first implied, against the medical profession in Lancashire, to the effect that they improperly granted certificates?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

I think the hon. Member must refer to the statement made by my right hon. Friend in debate last week. And perhaps also he will await the Report of the Departmental Committee which is investigating the figures that I gave yesterday.