§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the inquiry held on the 6th of June, 1923, by the appeal tribunal at the instance of a lady patient against a panel doctor, case numbers M/23/11, V. 187,208/23; whether, on that inquiry, there was a finding indicating an attitude on the part of the doctor which fell below the standard which insured patients have a right to expect, and that so far as regards the report of the specialist the patient was deprived of the full benefit to be derived from a close co-operation between specialist and general practitioner; and whether, as although no expenses or compensation have been allowed, the Ministry is threatening the lady patient with proceedings to recover from her the cost of copies of depositions of evidence supplied to her for the purpose of the inquiry, he will cause a thorough investigation?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYMy attention has been called to this case, and I am sending a copy of the findings on the appeal to my hon. Friend. It is not the case that the appellant is being threatened by the Ministry with proceedings to recover the cost of copies of depositions supplied for460W the purpose of the inquiry. I understand, however, that copies of the shorthand notes of the proceedings before the Medical Benefit Sub-Committee of the London Insurance Committee were supplied to her, and that in default of payment of the usual charges, which she had in fact promised to pay, the Insurance Committee have been pressing her for payment. The question is one between this lady and the London Insurance Committee and it is not within my jurisdiction.