Spectator's Notebook
OCCASIONAL Paper No. 3 published by the Institute of Economic Affairs is an entrancing academic argu- ment about the National Health Service. On my left the redoubtable Professor Titmuss. On my right Dr. Lees of Keck!. University. Others intervening, Profes- sor and Mrs. Jewkes and Professor Kemp of Clare- mont University, US. Dr. Lees argues that the `fundamental issue is whether the supply of medical care should be based on the principle of consumers' sovereignty or be made the subject of collective provisions.' Professor Titmuss sails in to attack and cites medical provision in the US in his support. Everyone else now falls on Professor Titmuss and the discussion becomes splendidly, urbanely, rude. And the winner? I think Dr. Lees and his supporters just have the edge, but in any case it is a stimulating contribu- tion to one of the most important arguments in the social services.
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