§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the presently increased remuneration for medical practitioners has caused great dissatisfaction; that the Insurance Acts Committee of the British Medical Association repudiate that they ever agreed to such acceptance; and, as the medical profession were not consulted before changes were made, if he will now afford them such right?
§ Mr. E. BrownBefore the capitation fee was increased I discussed the matter on more than one occasion with representatives of the Insurance Acts Committee. The committee referred my offer to a special conference of representatives of local medical and panel committees which was held on the 31st July, 1941. The conference passed a resolution accepting the offer, without prejudice to the claim for an increase of the basic fee of 9s. and to the claim to a cost of living increase when such an increase is given to comparable sections of the community. In these circumstances I do not see any necessity for further consultation with the medical profession in the matter.