§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Health whether his Department is enforcing through the Central Medical War Committee the agreements between local practitioners designed to protect the practices of those absent on national service or deceased; whether acceptance of the scheme by doctors is allowed to be made a condition of admission to panel practice; and to what extent the operation of this private scheme remains within the unchecked authority of the British Medical Association?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have no power either to interpret or to enforce the private agreements made between practitioners for the purpose of the protection of the practices of their colleagues, though I am aware of the scheme, and in view of the general participation of insurance practitioners therein, and the importance of safeguarding the interests of practitioners who undertake national service, I have recommended insurance committees to assist in its operation so far as it relates to insurance practice. The right of a registered practitioner to join an Insurance Medical List cannot be limited to participants in the Protection of Practices Scheme.
§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the local medical war committees appointed by the Central Medical War Committee, are, in many instances, enforcing upon patients and doctors the private scheme of the British Medical Association with regard to the protection of practices; and, as these activities involve a breach of National Health Insurance Regulations, regarding free choice of doctors, whether he will put an end to this?
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§ Mr. BrownThe private scheme is, as I understand, enforceable by agreement between participating practitioners, and its general administration is undertaken by Local Medical War Committees. The scheme does not involve any infringement of the provisions of the Regulations as to free choice of doctor.