§ 34. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the strictures passed by the West Essex coroner on a doctor who, after being twice requested to do so, declined to attend a patient, and when he arrived at the man's home the patient was on the point of death, and died later, apparently through lack of early medical attention; whether the doctor or the man were on the panel; and whether he will take steps so that such incidents may not recur?
Major BARNSTONMy right hon. Friend has made inquiry, and he is informed that at the time of the occurrence the patient was not entitled to medical benefit nor had he ever been on the list of the doctor concerned. This doctor is an insurance practitioner, but there is no question of any failure to carry out his obligations under his agreement with the Insurance Committee.