HC Deb 30 April 1914 vol 61 cc1848-9
32. Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, whether he is aware that J. M. Southard, an insured contributor under the National Insurance Act, who recently died from advanced tuberculosis of both lungs, was treated by the panel doctor attending him for rheumatism and cold; whether, in making this diagnosis, the doctor submitted Southard to a thorough examination; will he say what time elapsed between the date when Southard was last seen by the doctor and the man's death; whether the coroner's jury in this case censured the doctor; how many insured patients were included on his list at the time; and whether his name still remains on the insurance panel?

Mr. W. BENN

I will send the hon. Member a copy of the insurance committee's report, from which he will see that he is under a misapprehension as to the facts suggested in his question, and that the insurance committee exonerate the doctor in question from the charge of negligence.

Mr. F. HALL

Is the hon. Member aware that I have put this question down week after week for the last two months?

Mr. BENN

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. I said the case was being investigated, and the investigation has only just been completed. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the report.

Mr. F. HALL

Will the hon. Member in future, in cases where he asks for questions to be postponed, be good enough to send replies as soon as his investigations are completed?

Mr. BENN

Yes, Sir.