HC Deb 12 July 1928 vol 219 cc2426-7
2. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Minister of Pensions what remedy an ex-service man has when he is recommended by the Ministry for treatment at home by his panel doctor and the panel doctor cer- tifies that treatment by the Ministry is necessary.

Major TRYON

Where it had been decided that a case was either not eligible for or did not require such a course of treatment as is provided by the Ministry of Pensions, the case would fall to be dealt with under the ordinary arrangements available to insured persons under the National Health Insurance Acts.

Mr. STEPHEN

If the Minister decides that treatment is not possible and the man's panel doctor considers that treatment by the Ministry is necessary, what step has the man then to take? What has he to do in view of the conflict of evidence?

Major TRYON

It is quite clear that the Ministry cannot accept the doctrine that a panel doctor can decide for them. If the man has a grievance against the panel doctor, the normal course would be for him to make an application to the insurance committee.

Mr. STEPHEN

But supposing the man has no grievance against his panel doctor, supposing he considers that the advice of his panel doctor is right, is there not a medical referee whose opinion the Ministry and the panel doctor can be asked to accept? If there is not, will the Minister set up such a referee?

Major TRYON

No, Sir. The ordinary course must be followed. The case would be considered by the doctors of the Ministry of Pensions, whose opinions must necessarily decide the action to be taken by the Ministry.

Mr. STEPHEN

Does the Minister say that the doctors of the Ministry must be the final arbiters in spite of the fact that equally eminent or more eminent medical men may say that the man ought to have treatment?

Major TRYON

No, Sir; the point is that the Ministry of Pensions must decide its own policy, and not the panel doctor.

Mr. HARRIS

When doctors disagree, would it not be possible to have an independent opinion from a specialist, because it is notorious that doctors often differ on medical points?