37. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Comptroller of thee Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether he is aware that the Lancashire Insurance Committee have not made the ordinary advance to doctors in respect of October; that the total sum to be advanced up to the end of 1916 will only amount to 4s. 9d. per capita; and whether the committee is withholding for the final settlement (which in the case of 1915 was not made for nine months after the money had actually accrued due) more funds than are necessary, having regard to the fact that the doctors' lists in that area have not been substantially affected by enlistments and that the total sum eventually available for distribution will be close upon 6s. 6d. per capita.
§ Sir EDWIN CORNWALL (Comptroller of the Household)The ordinary monthly advance was not made to the doctors by the Lancashire Insurance Committee in October, 1916, because the doctors had already received, during previous months, payments on account in excess of the amounts properly available for distribution at these periods. The payments which, I understand, have been made to the doctors at the end of the year were fully up to the sums then properly avail- 1158 able, regard being had to the necessary adjustments. The full balances will, of course, be paid to the doctors as soon as the requisite facts are available.