65. Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)asked the Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been called to the case of E. F. Smith, of Battersea, who applied in January last for a medical card in connection with the choice of a doctor under the National Health Insurance Act, and made repeated applications in person and by letter for such card without success; is he aware that Smith has since had an illness and has, in consequence of the inaction of the insurance authorities, had to call in and himself pay for a doctor; will he say if there are any special circumstances to account for the inaction of the insurance committee concerned in this case; and whether Smith is entitled to recover expenses incurred by him for medical attendance since the date of his original application for a medical card?
Mr. BENNThe particulars given in the question are not sufficient to enable the person concerned to be identified; but if the hon. Member will furnish further particulars the matter will be investigated.