HC Deb 27 March 1913 vol 50 cc1828-9
61. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked whether for ten years before the commencement of the National Insurance Act the Scottish Clerks' Association had a system of medical benefit whereby members called in their own doctors and had refunded to them by the society the doctors' fees and cost of medicine up to 4s. per visit; whether the system worked well and gave great satisfaction to members; whether, in the opinion of the Insurance Commissioners, this system of medical benefit is a suitable one through which to permit insured persons to make their own arrangements under Section 15, Sub-section (3), of the Act; whether one of the largest insurance committees has refused to allow members of the Scottish Clerks' Association to make their own arrangements under this system; the grounds of this refusal; and whether the Commissioners propose to take any steps to advise insurance committees on this subject?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I am aware that the association referred to had special arrangements for the medical attendance of their members. It is primarily the duty of the insurance committees concerned to consider whether, in view of these arrangements and of any other local circumstances, members of the association could properly be allowed to make their own arrangements under Section 15 (3) of the Act, and the Scottish Commissioners, after considering all the circumstances, do not feel justified in interfering with the discretion of the insurance committees in the matter.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Have Commissioners never taken it upon themselves to advise committees as to what they think is the best way of carrying out the Act?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I think a general circular has been sent out in respect to the various classes of persons who may appropriately be given special arrangements.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

May I ask whether, in the opinion of the Commissioners, the arrangements of this society are suitable for members making their own arrangements under Sub-section (3)?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I should have to communicate with the Commissioners before I could answer that question.