§ 44. Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Health whether he can now say whether the court of inquiry have come to any settlement in connection with the fees to be charged by the doctors when boys and girls become employed after leaving school; and whether the Government intend bringing in a Bill to deal with the matter?
§ Sir K. WoodYes, Sir. The court of inquiry which was asked to consider the doctors' capitation fee to be paid as from January next for all insured persons entitled to medical benefit, on the assumption that employed juveniles would then be included, has reported in favour of the present rate of nine shillings per annum. I shall introduce the necessary Bill as soon as Parliamentary business permits.
§ Mr. ThorneIs it in consequence of their powerful organisation that the doctors have got all that they wanted?
§ Sir K. WoodI would advise the hon. Gentleman to consult the doctors.
§ 50. Major Procterasked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with the Additional Benefits Amendment Regulations, 1937, he can say what steps have been taken by him to obtain agreement between the sight-testing opticians and the National Ophthalmic Treatment Board with regard to the question of sight testing in connection with ophthalmic benefit?
§ Sir K. WoodRepeated attempts have been made to obtain agreement between the different schools of thought on the subject referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend, and I have myself received representative deputations from both sides. Unfortunately, it was not possible for any agreement to be arrived at.