HC Deb 08 December 1919 vol 122 cc934-5W
Lieut.-Colonel C. LOWTHER

asked the Minister of health whether evidence can be produced to show that the panel service has improved the health of the nation?

Dr. ADDISON

The working of medical benefit under the Insurance Act had been scarcely eighteen months in existence when war broke out, and the disturbing effects of war conditions which have prevailed over the greater part of the period during which it has been in operation make it impossible to produce concrete evidence which would measure the improvement in the health of the nation due to the insurance medical service.

Lieut.-Colonel LOWTHER

asked the Minister of Health whether he can indicate what amount of money is required to give the whole community an efficient medical service?

Dr. ADDISON

If my hon. Friend means a complete system of medical services of the different kinds needed for the varied requirements of the whole community, I cannot at the present moment hazard an estimate of the cost.