§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that panel practitioners have not received any increase in remuneration during the first two and a quarter years of war; that the proposed increase at the rate of 9d. per annum, the first instalment which, 2½d., is payable on 2nd April, 1942, is inadequate to meet the increased expenses of practice, the higher cost of living, and the loss of private patients in receipt of incomes of £225 to £420 per annum; and whether he will make the increase more nearly approximate to the 2s. asked for by the medical profession?
§ Mr. E. BrownI am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the Question. The increase in the capitation fee, which has been agreed with the representatives of the profession, will operate from the beginning of next year. This increase is not. intended to compensate doctors for the increase in the cost of living since other classes of persons earning similar incomes do not receive any bonus on this1024W account. I am satisfied, however, that it provides adequately for the other two matters mentioned in the Question and I am not prepared to grant any further increase under present conditions.