§ 42. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Health the position of those persons who work at the Royal Ordnance factories who have not been insured under the National Health Insurance before and who have to have medical treatment; and whether they are called upon to pay the doctor for his services?
§ Mr. E. BrownA person is entitled to medical benefit under the National Health Insurance Acts from the time when he enters insurable employment. If he requires treatment before he has obtained a medical card from the insurance committee the doctor who gives the treatment may require him to pay a deposit, but the deposit will be refunded when his title to benefit is established.
§ Mr. TinkerDoes that apply to women over 60 and to men over 65 who enter employment now?
§ Mr. BrownIt applies to persons who are new entrants into insurance who are not in possession of medical cards and some of whom are known to, have had to defray the doctors' charges. With regard to those over the ages mentioned I should like notice of the Question, and I will let my hon. Friend know.
§ Mr. TinkerI have a case which I will send on.