§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Health under what powers officials of his Department are empowered to dictate to patients as to what doctors they are allowed to consult, or to doctors as to what patients they are allowed to treat; and as instances of this of which he has been informed have occurred will he take steps to prevent their repetition?
§ Mr. E. BrownOfficials of my Department are not empowered to dictate either to patients or to doctors in the manner suggested by my hon. Friend. I understand that the Question refers to an incident which was mentioned in recent correspondence in the Press and is connected with arrangements which have in many areas been made by insurance practitioners for the purpose of protecting the practices of doctors who are on service.