§ 43. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the evidence given at an inquest held at Shoreditch upon Ernest Murch, of Rochford, Essex, wherein it was proved that a doctor who was summoned to attend the deceased refused to do so because the full amount of his fee could not be paid immediately by the person summoning him; and will he consider the introduction of legislation making it compulsory for doctors to attend urgent cases and the payment of their fees to be made from the public funds?
§ Sir K. WOODI have not seen the evidence in this case, but it appears from a Press report that the Coroner, who heard the evidence, was not satisfied that the facts were as alleged in the first part of the question. My right hon. Friend does not consider it desirable to submit proposals to Parliament on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Sir K. WOODThe hon. Member has put forward a particular case. I cannot answer on the general question.
§ Mr. DAYWill the right hon. Gentleman make investigations to see whether the facts put forward were true?
§ Sir K. WOODIt is very difficult to ascertain exactly, but I do not think it is anything more than an exceptional case.