POINT OF PRINCIPLE

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 6, 2 October 1941, Page 9

POINT OF PRINCIPLE

Why Opposition Aided Doctors

An emphatic denial that the National Party had espoused the doctors’ case because they were doctors was given by Mr. Broadfoot (Opposition, Waitomo). “We have fought this question as one of principle,” he said. "We have stuck to the principle and the Government has had to swallow it. ine main objections to the Bill have, in my opinion, been removed.” The alternatives presented b.v . the Government had completely vindicated the Opposition’s attitude, said Mr. Broadfoot. The main criticism now was that the Bill did not tend to improve the health service. Even now it was only a partial service. Fourteen services promised by the . late Prime Minister had not been provided. Mr. Osborne (Government, Manukau): Are you opposing it because it does not go far enough? Mr. Broadfoot said the Opposition had strongly opposed the principle of coercion and it desired a scheme where the willing co-operation of the doctors would have been forthcoming. Though consultations were promised five years ago by the present Prime Minister, the friendly societies, which dealt with one-fifth of the population, would be dealt a devastating blow if the measure was carried. Even at this late stage, he would suggest an alternative scheme under which the societies would be protected. He was satisfied the arrangement could be made. The suggested alternative, a subsidy scheme, would be cheap and effective and would build up the societies. The individual would retain the right of selection and the scheme would be on an entirely voluntary basis.