THE INSURANCE ACT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 194, 6 January 1913, Page 5

THE INSURANCE ACT.

ME. LLOYD GEORGE'S METHODS. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, January 3. The newspapers strongly criticise Mr. Lloyd George's speech to the Advisory Committee, and especially his proposals declaring that doctors on incomplete panels may take assistants or partners, whereupon the panels will be closed, enabling them to secure the whole of the insurance practice, Mr. Lloyd George promising to send districts as many assistants a.s they need. Where no panel exists doctors will be imported at a salary of .£SOO, but not for their whole time, inasmuch as they will be allowed private practice.

THE DOCTORS' ATTITUDE. Received January 5, 5.5 p.m. London, January 5. The British Medical Association, replying to Mr. Lloyd George, said that it was doubtful whether one doctor in a hundred had freely joined the panel. Economic pressure, fear of the introduction of outsiders, and the Governemnt's threats had compelled them to accept service. The association is now organising a campaign to secure for those insured a free choice of doctors, in accordance with section 15 of the Bill. Mr. Lloyd George denies that those insured are entitled to arrange with the doctors apart from the insurance committees or commissioners, adding that the Government will not allow the arrangement. Correspondents reply that discretion is absolutely vested in the committees and not in'the Government.