HC Deb 10 February 1913 vol 48 cc493-4W
Sir HILDRED CARLILE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the desirability of insurance committees making provision for a payment, for mileage in those cases where insured persons reside more than five miles from the nearest doctor; and, if no such provision is made and the doctors consequently refuse to accept such persons on their lists, what system does he suggest whereby such persons can secure the treatment to which they are entitled under the Act?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Paragraph 50 of the Medical Benefit Regulations gives insurance committees powers to make arrangements of the kind suggested, by agreement with the practitioners, out of the total capitation sums available. In addition, a sum of £50,000 has been voted in Committee of Supply for mileage grants in sparsely populated districts in Great Britain other than the Highlands and Islands. I am not aware of such cases as the hon. Member suggests in the last part of the question.

Mr. BIRD

asked whether medical Referees, under the Workmen's Compensation Act, are debarred from going on to the panel in accordance with the terms of the memorandum issued to them; if so, will he explain how this is, seeing that any doctor has the right to go on the panel; and will the certificates of doctors not on the panel be accepted for those insured persons who, though already upon a panel doctor's list, prefer to be attended privately by a doctor not on the panel?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise. With regard to the third part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which I gave on the 15th January to the hon. Members for Colchester and London University

Mr. RUPERT GWYNNE

asked the Chancellor whether there are any regulations or provisions by which medical practitioners under the National Insurance Act can supply surgical dressings and lotions to insured persons in the case of accidents and obtain payment for the same from the insurance committees; and, if not, will he consider the desirability of providing for such cases?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Yes, Sir. Paragraph 30 (2) (b) of the Medical Benefit Regulations provides for the doctor supplying and being paid for such articles in the circumstances stated.