§ Mr. HILLSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what provision he proposes to make to secure adequate medical attendance and treatment, as provided by Section 15 (2) of the Act, for cases requiring more than can be afforded by a practitioner of ordinary competence; (2) whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that under the regulations of the Insurance Commissioners, dated 1st October, 1912, the cost of any consultation with a second doctor will fall upon the medical practitioners on the panel collectively, since the 48W amount available for their collective remuneration will be diminished by the consultant's fees; whether he really intends thus to discourage the recourse to a consultant in grave cases which, in order to secure the adequate treatment which the Act provides, require a consultant; and (3) whether the regulations made by the Insurance Commissioners, dated 1st October, 1912, contemplate provision only of such medical treatment as can be undertaken by a practitioner of ordinary competence; and whether this is a breach of Section 15 (2) of the Act, which contemplates treatment adequate to the disease whatever its gravity?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe regulations referred to have been drafted in compliance with the provisions of the Act, including the particular Sub-section to which the hon. Member refers, and fully carry out the intentions of Parliament. With respect to the question of remuneration, full regard has been had in calculating the amount available for the provision of medical benefit under the Act, to the various forms of treatment referred to in the hon. Member's questions, in so far as they fall within the scope of medical benefit under the Act.