§ Mr. GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the guardians of the Tavistock Union in refusing out-relief to Mr. G. A. Smith on the ground that he refused to leave his panel doctor under the Health Insurance Act and accept the administrations of the parish doctor; and whether, in view of the provisions in the Health Insurance Acts, he will make representations to the guardians on this matter?
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§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend's attention had not previously been drawn to this case, but he is informed that the guardians, after considering certificates furnished by the district medical officer in the ordinary course, thought it necessary to require this young man to be thoroughly examined by their medical officer with a view to ascertaining whether he would benefit by any form of institutional treatment. Mr. Smith refused to to submit to such an examination, and the guardians have offered him relief in the institution. The action of the guardians does not involve any breach of the regulations in force, and my right hon. Friend could not, if he would, intervene for the purpose of requiring out-door relief to be granted.