§ 57. Sir JOHN SPEARasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that no panel doctor under the National Insurance Act is available at Postbridge, Princetown, Devon; that the housemaid of Miss Langley, of Postbridge, when recently ill, could only obtain medical assistance by sending to Chagford, seven miles distant; and that, although the woman had paid her insurance to the end of last quarter, the doctor refused to sign the card, and hence she receives no benefits whatever from the contributions she has paid; arid will he take steps to secure that insured persons in this district are supplied with medical assistance when required, and that medicine shall be obtainable within reasonable distance?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am informed by the Devonshire Insurance Committee that they have received no complaints by or on behalf of Miss Langley's servant. Post-bridge is in the centre of Dartmoor, and the nearest doctor is the doctor on the panel. The Act has made no difference in this respect, and the servant has been attended by the doctor in question.
§ Sir J SPEARIs there a panel doctor available for both Princetown and Post-bridge?
§ Mr. MASTERMANYes, the nearest doctor is the one on the panel.
§ Sir J. SPEARHow near is that?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI do not know exactly, but he is the only doctor there.
§ Sir J. SPEARIs it right to compel these people to pay insurance, and yet not provide the medical assistance within a reasonable distance?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe insured persons there are already receiving medical assistance from the doctor on the panel.