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Oral Answers to Questions — National Health Insurance.

– in the House of Commons am ar 6 Chwefror 1939.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr William Thorne Mr William Thorne , West Ham Plaistow

asked the Minister of Health whether panel doctors are expected, and permitted under the regulations, to supply any drug they wish to panel patients?

Photo of Mr Robert Bernays Mr Robert Bernays , Bristol North

Insurance practitioners are required by their terms of service to order any drugs which are necessary for the adequate treatment of their patients.

Mr. Alexander:

How does the hon. Member explain that some practitioners have been fined up to £100 for supplying drugs unnecessarily?

Photo of Mr Robert Bernays Mr Robert Bernays , Bristol North

If a prima facie case of extravagance is made out, then my right hon. Friend goes into the question with the local panel committee.

Photo of Mr William Thorne Mr William Thorne , West Ham Plaistow

How are you going to get this information into the hands of the various local committees?

Photo of Mr Robert Bernays Mr Robert Bernays , Bristol North

As far as I am aware, it is already there.

Photo of Mr David Logan Mr David Logan , Liverpool Scotland

Will the hon. Member make inquiries again and see whether this is the correct answer?

Mr. Jenkins:

Is it not the case that a medical practitioner has to get the consent of the Department before he orders an expensive drug?

Photo of Mr Robert Bernays Mr Robert Bernays , Bristol North

No, Sir.

Minister

Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.