§ 14. Mr. A. GREENWOODasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that in the cases of officers and nurses undergoing approved home treatment the authorised fee for combined massage and electrical treatment has been reduced from 7s. per visit to 3s. 6d. per visit, and that for massage treatment reduced from 1274 3s. 6d. per visit to 2s. per visit; that in many cases it is not possible to obtain the treatment necessary at the authorised rates; and whether, if the authorised rates are reduced, he will give the Commissioners of Medical Services in the regions discretionary power to sanction payments at higher rates to enable patients to obtain the treatment deemed necessary?
§ Major TRYONThere has been no recent change in the approved scale of charges for massage and electrical treatment given at home. The higher fees mentioned are sanctioned when the treatment is given at the patient's own home, but where the patient attends as an outpatient at an institution for the treatment the lower rates are applicable. Officers and nurses, finding difficulty in obtaining prescribed massage and electrical treatment within the authorised fees, should communicate with the Commissioner of Medical Services of the region, who will make arrangements for the provision of suitable treatment at approved charges.