HC Deb 05 February 1931 vol 247 cc2107-8
54. Mr. WOMERSLEY

asked the Minister of Health if the consideration of the whole question of ophthalmic benefit, under the National Health Insurance Acts, has now been completed by the sub-committee of the Approved Societies Consultative Council; and, if so, will he indicate the nature of the report thereon?

Miss LAWRENCE

The sub-committee of the Approved Societies Consultative Council have not yet completed their consideration of the question of ophthalmic benefit. My right hon. Friend would point out that the deliberations of the Consultative Council are confidential.

Mr. WOMERSLEY

Will the hon. Lady tell me if the issuing of these statutory regulations respecting this particular benefit has been done without consultation with the sub-committee?

Miss LAWRENCE

I think I must have notice of that question.

55. Mr. WOMERSLEY

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, as a result of the operation of Section 25, paragraph (5) (b), of the National Health Insurance (Additional Benefits) Regulations, 1930 (Provisional Regulations, dated 18th June, 1930), a large number of unqualified suppliers of optical glasses are now giving ophthalmic treatment and supplying glasses; and what action he proposes to take?

Miss LAWRENCE

The provision of the regulations to which the hon. Member refers is designed to conform to the principle of free choice of practitioner which was laid down by the National Health Insurance Act, 1928. My right hon. Friend has no evidence that it has resulted in unsuitable treatment or appliances being provided to inured persons; and in his view a sufficient safeguard is furnished by the authority given to a Society, if it has good reason for doing so in a particular case, to withhold consent to a member obtaining glasses from an optician who is not a member of an organisation recognised by the society.

62. Mr. FREEMAN

asked the Minister of Health how many, if any, hospitals have been registered under the National Health Insurance Act for the supply of medicines, drugs, and appliances to panel patients; and whether he proposes to take any action in this matter?

Miss LAWRENCE

So far as my right hon. Friend is aware, no hospital is included in any list of persons supplying drugs, medicines, and appliances under the National Health Insurance Acts. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. FREEMAN

Is it permissible for a hospital to be so registered?

Miss LAWRENCE

I think I must have notice of that question.

Mr. FREEMAN

That is the question which I asked.

65. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Minister of Health whether he has taken any action with reference to the representations of the Co-operative Congress and other co-operative societies and bodies against the Regulations which prohibit the payment of co-operative dividends on National Health Insurance prescriptions?

Miss LAWRENCE

My right hon. Friend has decided to revoke Clause 4 (4) of the terms of service of insurance chemists, which covers this matter, and has informed the representative bodies concerned accordingly.

Sir K. WOOD

Can the hon. Lady say when that will be done?

Miss LAWRENCE

Very shortly.