DELAY RESENTED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20056, 30 September 1939, Page 7

DELAY RESENTED

ATTITUDE OF DOCTORS PRACTITIONER SERVICE LABOUR CRITICISM DEBATE IN HOUSE (Por Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this dayThe House of Representatives met this morning, when the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, moved the second reading of the Social Security Amendment Bill. The Minister outlined in detail the provisions of the measures, stressing tiie fact that it was designed to bring about uniformity of pension payments.

The Minister of Health, the Hon. P. Fraser, dealing with the maternity service section of the bill, said that some of the clauses in it were purely of a machinery nature, but the most important ones related to the arrangement made between the British Medical Association and the Government. The former organisation had strongly objected to making personal contracts and had asked for a collective contract. This had been done. Although an arrangement so far as fees were concerned had not been arrived at, there was a provision in the bill for arbitration on contracts and, if any doctor did not feel he could take part in the scheme, he could contract out of it.

' The 8.M.A., continued Mr. Fraser, was, however, as opposed to the general practitioner service as ever, but negotiations on the matter were still proceeding. It was better to negotiate than go to war, he- said, and to negotiate after hostilities had ended. Arrangement Welcomed ■Mr. S. G. Holland (Nat., Christchurch North) said the House would welcome the arrangement which had been arrived at between the Government and the British Medical Association, Members of the Opposition had always been against regimentation, but in this instance a voluntary arrangement had been arrived at and no one in his right senses would oppose the measure implementing that agreement. ■Mr. A. H. Nordmeyer (Lab., Oain'aru) said that a lot of people would regret that the full medical benefits in the general practitioner scheme hacl not been put into operation. The people had 'been led to expect the general practitioner scheme since the social security proposals had first been brought forward. They had a right to expect it, and they must deplore the attitude of the British Medical Association on the matter. Mr. A. E. Jull (Nat., Waipawa): Will they not also deplore paying foi monetary benefits which they have not received. Mr. Nordmeyer: Yes, perhaps, but perhaps the honourable member can influence his medical friends in the matter.

The public, he continued, were entitled to free medical service. If the medical profession did not agree and if the Government were not prepared to force them to change their attitude, the Government, in justice and fairness, must give consideration ■ to the remission of portion of the taxation. If it did not, it would practically amount to taking money under false pretences. Opposition interjections: We have been telling you that for a long time. Compulsion Suggested

Mr. .Nordmeyer said that if the Government wished to compel the medical men to come behind the scheme legislation would be necessary, and he asked if the Opposition would be prepared to support it. The Government might be forced to take a stronger line with the medical profession. The public was entitled to the benefits and the Government would be failing in its duty unless it took steps to see that the people got the full benefits to which they were entitled. . , , , Mr. Jull said the Minister s attitude was more likely to bring about a more favourable set of conditions than the fiery cross methods of the member foi Oamaru and some of his friends. Dr. D. G. McMillan (Lab., Dunedin West) : said recruiting of men for the special military force had given a striking illustration ol the state of the health of the people of New Zealand. Of the first 5000 men who enlisted, 4 per cent were temporarily unfit. That was to say, they were suffering from some curable condition, and this despite the fact that they were the fittest in the Dominion. It showed that they had been denying themselves medical attention, and if a free medical service had been in operation all these men would have been properly fit.

Need of Treatment

The figures also showed that if 47 per cent of the young men were suffering from some temporary illness, a much higher percentage of the whole population was in need of medical attention. , Discussing the bill in the committee stages, Mr. Holland said he cordially agreed with Mr. Nordmeyer’s remarks that if the general practitioner service were not provided, money was being taken from the people by false pretences. He hoped the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, would read, mark, learn and inwardly digest. He commended Mr. Nordmeyer for his frankness and said lie hoped that the Government would put matters right. Mr. Fraser said he had no objection lo people making themselves into munition workers for the Opposition (Opposition laughter), but lor vci> weighty and important reasons he wanted the bill to be enacted by botli Houses to-day. „ . Mr. H. Atmore (Ind., Nelson) thought it was time that the Government took steps to bring the doctors into line or, it they would not do so, lo got doctors who would TTie bill was passed through all stages and the House adjourned at 1 p.m.