§ 100 and 101.Mr. Simmonsasked the Minister of Health (1) if he has any statement to make concerning the complaint made to him by the Brierley Hill, Staffs, Trades Council that local doctors are charging for the issue of sick notes which are required by the National Insurance authorities and sick club secretaries before benefits can he paid: 147W( (2) under what authority doctors are authorised to make charges for the issue of sick notes which are necessary before insured persons can claim insurance benefits.
§ Mr. Iain MacLeodGeneral practitioners are required to provide free of charge to their National Health Service patients any medical certificate included in the list forming the Second Schedule to the National Health Service (General Medical and Pharmaceutical Services) Amendment (No. (2) Regulations, 1949. This list includes certificates required for claims to sickness benefit under the National Insurance Act, but not those requested by friendly societies or sick clubs, for which a doctor may charge if he so wishes.