THE INSURANCE ACT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 202, 6 May 1912, Page 5

THE INSURANCE ACT

DOCTORS THREATEN TO STRIKE. A DRAMATIC TURN. By Cable—Press Association —Convright. Received 5, 6.5 p.m. London, May 5. Owing to Mr. Lloyd George's Opera House speech in February, and Mr. Masterman's threat, the Committee of the British Medical Association has asked 26,000 doctors to sign an additional pledge to simultaneously resign from all clubs and friendly society dispensaries and other forms of contributory contract practice appointments throughout England, Scotland and Wales, unless their demands are granted. Also, except in cases of urgent necessity, not to render professional service to people insured through any voluntary medical charity. Dr. Cox, secretary of the Association, explaining this new dramatic turn given to the controversy, says that in the event of a doators' strike those insured would have to make their own private arrangements for medical attendance. Thi9 would imply a breakdown of one of the most attractive features of the Act..

Speaking in the House of Commons on March 21 Mr. Masterman, in reply to a question, said that, necessarily, the Insurance Act would be worked in England, as in Ireland, without medical benefits.