HC Deb 18 May 1944 vol 400 cc323-4
17. Dr. Russell Thomas

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give an assurance that under the proposed National Health Scheme no doctor will be called upon to divulge the illnesses of patients to a third party, except in a court of law, in accordance with the tradition of medical practice.

Mr. Willink

There is no intention of departing, in this respect, from the familiar principles which have hitherto governed the doctor-patient relationship.

Dr. Thomas

In view of the fact that the illnesses of nearly all of us will be known to the Ministry of Health, could not those facts be used by a Government Department for its own secret purposes, contrary to the ancient tradition of privacy which has always existed between doctor and patient?

Mr. Willink

My hon. Friend has referred to something that could be done. I have said that there is no intention of departing from the present practice.

18. Dr. Russell Thomas

asked the Minister of Health if he has now framed rules for certification of sickness by doctors under the proposed National Health Scheme, or whether he proposes to leave such certification to a doctor's free and unfettered professional opinion in accordance with the tradition of medical practice.

Mr. Willink

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "No, Sir," and to the second part that the form and method of medical certification is one of many questions which I hope to discuss in due course with the profession's representatives.

Dr. Thomas

In view of the fact that the White Paper, of necessity, involves rules, for certification which must again involve penalties on the doctor, are not these rules directed to ensure the increased productivity of the patient rather than his health and happiness? Do they not prepare the way for the mobility and direction of labour when the war is over?

Mr. Willink

No. Sir. The purpose of certification is to give those entitled to insurance benefits the evidence which they need.

Mr. George Griffiths

Will the Minister still keep as stiff a back on this matter as he kept last night at Croydon?