HC Deb 04 July 1962 vol 662 cc534-5
26. Sir B. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the fee for doctors attending road accidents has remained at 12s. 6d. since 1934; and whether, in view of the complications and delays which may be involved in the medical treatment of persons meeting with road accidents, he will take steps to arrange for this fee to be increased at an early date.

Mr. Hay

I am aware that the fee of 12s. 6d. has not been changed since it was introduced in 1934. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that an Amendment to abolish this charge altogether was discussed yesterday during the Committee stage of the Road Traffic Bill. The hon. Member will find that the Government's view was then expressed as being that the charge should be abolished when financial circumstances permit.

Sir B. Janner

What on earth is the Parliamentary Secretary thinking about? Does he realise that the fee is dismally small and that it takes a doctor several hours to earn it? Is it not about time that it was increased instead of abolished altogether?

Mr. Hay

I advise the hon. Gentleman to study the proceedings in the Standing Committee yesterday, or to have a word with his hon. Friend the Member for Bermondsey (Mr. Mellish) who was there. This fee was fixed as long ago as 1934, before the National Health Service was ever thought of.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Will my hon. Friend confirm that every 12s. 6d. collected costs 11s. to collect, which makes the matter worse?

Mr. Hay

I have heard that said, but I cannot confirm or deny it.