HC Deb 22 April 1918 vol 105 c690W
Mr. BOOTH

asked the Minister of Reconstruction if the Bill to sot up a Ministry of Health is in print; and whether any Member of this House has been favoured with an advance copy?

Dr. ADDISON

Under the authority given me, a draft of a proposed Bill was discussed with representatives of the different interests with whom I conducted negotiations. My right hon. Friend the Member for Derby, acted as the Chairman of the representatives of Insurance Committees and Approved Societies, and was the only Member of Parliament who participated in the proceedings.

Mr. BOOTH

asked the Minister of Reconstruction if he has considered the position of the medical profession in relation to the proposed Ministry of Health; what decision he has arrived at with regard to the suggestion of a State medical service; and whether it is proposed to decide these matters whilst so many doctors are away serving with the forces?

Dr. ADDISON

The matter referred to in the second part of the question would not have been relevant to the conferences in regard to the establishment of a Ministry of Health, which I have held, among others, with representatives of the medical profession.