43. Mr. F. HALLasked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, if the Treasury Estimates of the cost of treating insured persons have been exceeded, and if there are enough funds in the case of the London Insurance Committee to give proper medical treatment to insured patients; if it has been suggested to the London County Council that half of the deficiency should be met out of the rates; if there are any other cases in which insurance committees have to face a similar deficiency; and if, in view of the fact that the question of further relief to local authorities from the Imperial Exchequer in regard to burdens placed upon them by Parliament before the passing of the National Insurance Act is now the subject of inquiry, the Government will defer any proposals for the charge of insurance deficiencies against local authorities until it has been decided what adjustment of existing burdens is called for?
Mr. BENNThe hon. Member is under a misapprehension. Under the arrangements entered into between insurance committees—including the London Insurance Committee—and the doctors on their respective panels no deficit can occur upon the funds available for defraying their liabilities to those doctors, and the rest of the question does not therefore arise.
Mr. F. HALLAm I to understand that the London County Council has not been asked to make up any deficiency?
Mr. BENNOh, no; the hon. Member put down a question in reference to medical benefits, and the answer I have given refers ta medical benefits.