HIGHER FEES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 October 1941, Page 4

HIGHER FEES

OFFERED TO DOCTORS UNDER THE SOCIAL SECURITY BILL. OPPOSITION OBJECTIONS MAINTAINED. (Bv Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day.

Great interest among members of both parties was evident when the debate on the Social Security Amendment Bill was resumed in the House of Representatives last night. Much has occurred both in the country.and in Parliament Buildings since the debate on the measure began on September 11, and expectations that the Minister of Health, Mr Nordmeyer, would announce important amendments to be incorporated later in the Committee stage were realised. A wide departure from the basic principle of the original draft was made, a doctor now being permitted to accept a fee direct from a patient instead of being required to draw on the Social Security Fund. The fee has been raised from 5s a visit to the surgery or Gs 6d for a call to the home to a basic payment of 7s 6d in both cases. A night call by the doctor between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is to be remunerated at 12s Gd. Originally there was no distinction of fee for day or night work. Members were keenly alert when the ’’Minister of Finance, Mr Nash, resuming his speech begun three weeks ago, said: "It is impossible to work democracy without the consent of democracy. and it is important that some element of agreement should come j from the minorities when majorities say that certain things are necessary in the interests of the community as a whole."

The Opposition continued to attack what were described as the coercive principles in the Bill. Mr Doidge asked why the Government was rushing the measure, and suggested the answer that it was preparing for an election. The debate was adjourned to permit the introduction of the Statutes Amendment Bill, a document of 77 clauses.

In the afternoon the Wanganui Harbour District and Empowering Amendment Bill was again debated, and again talked out by the Opposition. The House adjourned at 10.30 p.m. till 2.30 this afternoon.