§ 38. Mr. JOELasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to a scheme in the Black Country under which the poorer residents of the middle-class who just escape coming under national health insurance are arranging a system of medical attendance by weekly payments whether well or ill; and whether he will investigate the possibilities of such a scheme with the object of assisting its extension in other districts?
Sir H. YOUNGMy attention has not been called to the particular scheme referred to, but I am aware that in certain parts of the country the medical profession have organised public medical service schemes for the medical treatment of persons for whom provision is not made under the National Health Insurance Acts. Such schemes, however, are matters of voluntary arrangement and I have no power to take steps with a view to their extension.