§ 9. Colonel PERKINSasked the Minister of Pensions the number of cases of ex-service men who, as voluntary contributors to the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, have been referred to their panel doctors for treatment although eligible for Ministry treatment; and whether any protests have been received from such men on the ground that this policy is taking advantage of their thrift?
§ Major TRYONPersons insured, whether as employed or as voluntary contributors, under the Health Insurance Acts are ordinarily entitled, without additional expense, to the services of a medical practitioner, and where no treatment is required beyond that within the competence of the general practitioner, I should not be justified in duplicating the provision which is already available.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs the Minister aware of the fact that men have been told to seek the aid of the panel doctor, in preference to Ministry treatment; and is he entitled to throw the burden of the liability of his Department on the. National Health Insurance Act?
§ Major TRYONWhere special treatment is shown to be required, the Ministry gives it.
§ Mr. SHINWELLHave cases not been sent to the Minister where men have 194 been refused aid by the Ministry doctor and told to go to their own medical practitioner?
§ Major TRYONI cannot add anything to the answer which I have already given. It is obvious it must be for the Ministry of Pensions doctor to decide what treatment is given by the Ministry.
§ Mr. SHINWELLDo I take it from that answer that the Ministry doctors do tell men to go to the panel doctor when, in fact, they should be receiving Ministry treatment?
§ Major TRYONNo, Sir. The hon. Member is not entitled to assume that.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs the Minister satisfied that the opinion of the local or family doctor is fully considered in these cases?
§ Major TRYONAny medical evidence is, of course, considered.