§ 41. Mr. MILLSasked the Minister of Health if, in view of protests as to the working of the revised change-of-doctor procedure in National Health Insurance, he will say how many insurance committees have refused to adopt the new procedure; and whether he contemplates any revision of the procedure in view of the disparity of choice it imposes upon the panel patient as against the private patient?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Miss Lawrence)The change of procedure to which my hon. Friend refers was effected as from the 1st April by the Medical Benefit Amendment Regulations, 1931, which were laid before Parliament on the 17th February. The first part of the question does not, therefore, arise; and the answer to the second part is in the negative.
§ Mr. MILLSHave not any cases of injustice occurred where patients have been refused transfer from one doctor to another?
§ Miss LAWRENCEIf my bon. Friend has any such cases, I shall be glad of the information.