HC Deb 21 October 1968 vol 770 c209W
74. Mr. Fortescue

asked the Minister of Social Security whether she will introduce arrangements whereby medical certificates supporting claims for sickness benefit must be signed by salaried doctors rather than by general practitioners whose practice depends on the goodwill of their patients; and if she will make a statement.

Mrs. Hart

No. Sickness benefit is paid for incapacity for work and the person best qualified to certify whether a patient's condition is incapacitating for work is the doctor who is responsible for diagnosing and treating that condition.