§ 7. Captain C. S. Taylorasked the Minister of Labour, to what extent he has evidence that members of the medical profession have provided incorrect medical certificates to men of military age, stating that they are unfit for military service; and whether there have been any cases of the men concerned admitting that these certificates were untrue and obtained for large sums of money?
§ Mr. BevinThe police authorities investigated a number of cases last year but the evidence was not sufficient for a prosecution. Further cases are at present under investigation.
§ Captain TaylorCan the Minister say whether particulars of these cases have been reported to the General Medical Council?
§ Sir Henry Morris-JonesIn the interests of the medical profession itself, will the Minister adopt ruthless measures in the case of anyone found guilty of this type of allegation?
§ Mr. BevinI certainly will, but I have to get evidence before I can bring a prosecution. Doctors are very fortunate; they can bury their mistakes.
§ Captain TaylorSurely if there have been eight or nine cases in respect of a particular doctor, that is sufficient evidence for a prosecution.
§ Captain TaylorOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at an early date.