The position was crystallized by the announcement on Tuesday that
the Government had definitely refused to accept the Association's alternative scheme, which " would involve the expenditure of public money without adequate public control," and that they were prepared to make " other provi- sion" for medical benefit if the panels were inadequate in any area. It remains to be seen how far this will be the case. On Wednesday the Glasgow and West of Scotland branch of the Association decided by a casting vote to accept provisional service. This decision affects some 1,500 doctors. Friday's news seems to show that panels are likely to be successfully formed all over Scotland, with the possible exception of Edinburgh and a few other places. The Leeds and District Medical Association have resolved by 162 votes to 33 that the pledge is no longer binding, while in the Hartlepools a con- trary decision has been reached. In general it may be said that there is evidently a deep cleavage in the opinion of the doctors throughout the country.
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