§ 4. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of Health what is the position of the patient in regard to his doctor who has resigned from the National Health Service and whether he will still receive his medicines at public expense.
§ Mr. BevanThe provision of medicines is restricted by the Act to patients who are receiving general medical services from a doctor taking part in the Health Service. A doctor who resigns is, therefore, no longer able to prescribe medicines for supply without charge.
§ Sir T. MooreSurely this is sheer blackmail. If a patient pays contributions weekly, what does it matter what doctor signs the prescription? Because 611 a doctor leaves the National Health Service it does not mean that he has lost his professional competence.
§ Mr. BevanI do not know how often it is necessary to say that people do not qualify for the benefits of the National Health Service Scheme by the payment of weekly contributions, and, therefore, no contractual rupture actually occurs if they are no longer having free medicine. It is for the patient to secure another doctor who is in the Health Service.
§ Sir T. MooreThen that is blackmail.