§ 22 Mr. G. Jegerasked the Minister of Health (1) what action is taken against doctors who prescribe medical and surgical material under the National Health Service on request without inquiring for what purpose it is required;
(2) what instructions are given to doctors to ensure that they ascertain that medical supplies are necessary before they prescribe them;
(3) if he is aware that a doctor in the East Midlands, of whom he has been in formed, working in the National Health Service, has prescribed cotton wool in large quantities without satisfying herself of the purpose for which it was requested, and that it was afterwards used for stuffing cushions; and if he will instruct the appropriate executive committee to investigate and take action in the matter.
25. Mr. Norman Smithasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the case of a medical practitioner under the National Health Service in the East Midlands, details of which have been 1343 brought to his attention; that this doctor twice prescribed cotton wool for a patient before she learned that it was being required for the stuffing of a sofa and cushions; and what further steps he will take to prevent laxity in the giving of prescriptions.
§ 26. Dr. Kingasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fact that a medical practitioner under the National Health Service, whose name has been sent to him, has prescribed cotton wool for a patient which has been used for stuffing sofa cushions; and what steps he will take to prevent doctors from abusing the National Health Service.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Iain Macleod)A practitioner should prescribe only what is necessary for proper treatment, and if the cost of his prescribing is in excess of the amount necessary on this basis a sum may be withheld from his remuneration. I am sure that practitioners are co-operating in an endeavour to avoid excessive prescribing. I see no necessity for any special action in this case.
§ Mr. JegerCan the Minister say whether he has investigated the case, which was drawn to his attention, of a doctor—Lady Barnett, of television fame —who prescribed cotton wool in excess of the amount required, and whether any action is being taken, in view of the fact that she is a well-known Conservative worker in her constituency and that other doctors who have prescribed cod liver oil and malt have been fined for excessive prescribing?
§ Mr. MacleodThe hon. Member seeks to show on the basis of one reported case, that there is abuse in this matter and that there is a case for the Minister of Health taking action to avoid financial abuse. There is something to be said for the latter point of view. The only thing I would add to my first answer is that this occurrence took place in the autumn of 1948.
Mr. Norman SmithIs the Minister aware that this story about cushions was made public by Lady Isobel Barnett, not in 1948 but a few weeks ago? Has he considered the possibility of the story being used by Lady Barnett in a purely allegorical sense, with a view to discrediting the Health Service in the minds of her 1344 ignorant and credulous audience, and will he discourage the telling of flat-footed falsehoods by doctors who are on his pay roll?
§ Dr. KingIs the Minister aware that the Opposition have always held the view that abuses in the Health Service can take place only with the connivance of doctors, dentists or opticians; and does not he think it wrong that a Tory doctor should use her own professional shortcomings as an instrument of propaganda against the Health Service, when most professional people and thousands of voluntary workers of both political parties are giving admirable service?
§ Mr. MacleodAll I need to add to my previous answer is that I see nothing whatever in the report which I have read which affords any justification for any of the statements made from the Opposition benches.
§ Dr. SummerskillDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would be in the interests of the Health Service for him to say that this case is unique, and that no similar case has been brought to his attention?
§ Mr. MacleodCertainly no similar case has been brought to my attention. I have told the House when this event took place and, quite frankly, I am quite certain that I and the executive council concerned have better things to do than to inquire whether or not, six years ago, a patient did or did not use an appliance correctly.