§ 24. Sir Henry Morris-Jonesasked the Minister of Health what is the remuneration now received by general practitioners under the National Health Insurance Act; whether this payment complies with the standards recommended by the Spens Committee; and whether the remuneration under the present National Health Bill, when it comes into operation, will be based on the present payment.
§ 8. Dr. Comynsasked the Minister of Health why he has refused to implement the recommendation of the Spens Committee on the remuneration of insurance practitioners by increasing the capitation fee to 12s. 6d. instead of 15s. which was the recommended amount; and if he is aware that this refusal has created dissatisfaction among insurance practitioners.
§ Mr. BevanI am at present having discussions with representatives of the profession, and would prefer to await the outcome of those discussions before making any statement.
§ Sir H. Morris-JonesAs the House is interested in the question of remuneration for medical practitioners, both in the present Measure and in the coming Act, could the right hon. Gentleman tell the House as soon as these negotiations are completed what the remuneration will be?
§ Mr. BevanAs soon as the negotiations are completed I shall be delighted to tell the House, but I think it would be tactless to make a statement at this moment when negotiations are under way.