HC Deb 16 November 1939 vol 353 cc854-5W
Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the method of distribution of the funds provided for the medical attendance and treatment of evacuated children unaccompanied by their mothers; and if the fund is a national one disbursed in a manner similar to the funds under National Health Insurance, or if doctors are paid on the per attendance basis?

Mr. Elliot

The arrangements provide for the funds available for the medical attendance and treatment of unaccompanied children in reception areas to be distributed between the reception areas on the basis of returns showing the number of such children in each area. The local fund will be distributed to practitioners in accordance with a scheme prepared by the local emergency committee of the area. The schemes may provide for payments to be made to practitioners on such basis, whether capitation or attendance, as may be found convenient. The basis most commonly adopted is that of distribution in proportion to the number of children actually treated by the doctor during the period irrespective of the number of attendances given.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether the condition imposed by the British Medical Association that only a general practitioner whose practice has completely or almost completely disappeared by reason of evacuation and who is immediately available for national service of some kind may offer his services for work in a reception area was imposed with his knowledge and approval; and whether in the interests of securing a more efficient medical service in reception areas, it will be cancelled?

Mr. Elliot

I presume that the hon. Member is alluding to the arrangements made by the Central Medical War Committee for compiling a list of doctors in evacuation areas who have become wholly or mainly unemployed by reason of evacuation and are without local obligations, with a view to meeting demands from reception areas for additional doctors. I am informed, however that the arrangements do not preclude doctors, in reception areas, or the local medical war committee on their behalf, from obtaining assistance from other quarters; nor do they preclude doctors not on the list from offering their services in the reception areas.