§ 39. Mr. JOELasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the successful summons by Eleanor Peters, of Peel Street, Crewe, against Whitfields, Limited, ladies' tailors, of Wolverhampton, for an amount which she claimed was due to her under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Acts, in view of their failure to stamp her late husband's health insurance cards; and whether, in view of the importance of this case to many similar persons, he will himself carry a test case to the higher courts?
Sir H. YOUNGThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I gather from a published report of the case that the employers are themselves proposing to appeal to the High Court.
§ 41. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Health what answer has been returned to representations from any section of the medical profession for the restoration of the 1s. per insured patient per annum taken from panel doctors in the autumn of 1931?
Sir H. YOUNGMy answer has been that the 10 per cent. deduction made from the remuneration of insurance practitioners in 1931 was part of the Government's general scheme of economy covering the whole field of public expenditure; and that any question of restoring the cuts must be considered as a whole. I may also refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister on 29th November last to the hon. Member for Portsmouth North.