With the discussion of the thirteenth clause, which was taken
on Tuesday, the House reached the controversial portion of the Bill which decides the position of the doctors. The clause provides that the medical benefit shall be adminis- tered by the approved societies. Dr. Addison moved the important amendment that the administration should instead be in the hands of the new local health committees. This alteration was strongly desired by the doctors, who objected intensely to the prospect of club practice on such a vast scale. It would also be likely to check malingering, and would enable the Health Committees to co-operate more effectively with the sanitary and education authorities for the prevention of disease. Dr. Addison's proposal was supported from all parts of the House, and Mr. Lloyd George strongly recom- mendedlts acceptance. He left it, however, as an open ques- tion. After a warning from Mr. Austen Chamberlain that the new arrangements might impose large burdens upon the taxpayers and ratepayers, a division was taken, and the amendment was carried by 387 votes against 15.
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