HC Deb 06 May 1937 vol 323 cc1229-31
37. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now able to state the terms of reference and the personnel of the tribunal to inquire into the fees paid to panel doctors under the National Health Insurance scheme?

Sir K. Wood

Yes, Sir. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the terms of reference of the Court of Inquiry appointed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself. Put quite shortly, the object of the inquiry is to investigate the question whether any, and, if so, what, alteration ought to be made in the amount of the doctor's capitation fee, having regard to any changes since 1924 in the cost of living, the working expenses of practice, the number and nature of the services rendered to insured patients and other relevant factors. I am glad to say that the services of the following gentlemen as members of the court have been secured:

  • The Rt. Hon. Lord Amulree, G.B.E., K.C., LL.D. (Chairman).
  • Mr. Thomas Howorth, A.C.A.
  • Mr. D. H. Robertson, M.A.

Mr. Davies

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate that this report will be issued soon enough to enable the Bill which he has promised to be presented to Parliament and passed into law before the Summer Recess?

Sir K. Wood

I am an optimist, and I hope that that may be so.

Mr. Thorne

Is it not the case that this inquiry has been made necessary by the fact that you could not come to any understanding with the doctors?

Sir K. Wood

I think it is rather to be regarded as a friendly arrangement to have this matter dealt with by independent people. There were discussions upon it between the British Medical Association and myself and it was considered that this would be the best means of dealing with the matter.

Mr. Thorne

Are we to take it for granted that if the committee puts up a recommendation similar to the Government's offer to the doctors, that recommendation will be put into operation?

Sir K. Wood

I think we had better await the report.

Following are the terms of reference:

"We hereby appoint

The Right Hon. Lord Amulree, G.B.E., K.C., LL.D.,

Thomas Howorth, Esq., A.C.A.,

D. H. Robertson, Esq., M.A.,

to be a Court of Inquiry to inquire and report to His Majesty's Government whether any, and if so what, alteration ought to be made as from the 1st January, 1938, in the amount of the capitation fee (per insured person per annum) on the basis of which the Central Practitioners' Fund under Article 19 of the National Health Insurance (Medical Benefit) Regulations, 1936, and the corresponding Scottish Fund under Article 19 of the National Health Insurance (Medical Benefit) Consolidated Regulations (Scotland), 1929, is calculated, having regard to any changes which may have taken place since 1924 in the cost of living, the working expenses of practice, the number and nature of the services rendered by insurance practitioners to their insured patients, and other relevant factors. The inquiry is to proceed on the assumption that as from the 1st January, 1938, employed persons under the age of 16 will have become entitled to medical benefit by virtue of amending legislation but that the conditions would not impose any obligation upon the practitioner to issue medical certificates to these persons.

This capitation fee is not to include any payment in respect of the supply of drugs and appliances or any payment to meet the special conditions of practice in rural and semi-rural areas. Payments to insurance practitioners in respect of these matters are the subject of separate arrangements and are outside the scope of the inquiry.

We hereby further appoint the Right Hon. Lord Amulree, G.B.E., K.C., LL.D., to be Chairman, and E. H. Phillips, Esq., O.B.E., of the Ministry of Health, to be Secretary of the said Court.

KINGSLEY WOOD.

WALTER E. ELLIOT.

5th May, 1937."