COERCION THREAT

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 82, 7 April 1941, Page 9

COERCION THREAT

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

STATEMENT BY B.M.A.

The subject of coercion of the medical profession in the carrying out of the Government's free medical service scheme was dealt, with in an official statement issued today by tbe British Medical Association.

"Lately," it was stated, "there has been talk of coercion being applied to the doctors. We are all familiar with the phrase 'the compelling force of law.' The law necessarily has powers of compulsion. These are exercised, for example, in dealing with criminals and other infringers of the law. The doctors, however, do not come into that category, for their action in refusing the medical benefit contract is strictly within the law.

"Coercion, however, has a more sinister sound. It is possible, indirectly, without calling the law. It does not require to be physical. It may be applied as affecting material interests, and even by influencing morals. Of recent years we have become familiar with many variants of technique in certain totalitarian countries. It is a dangerous and alarming kind of word when heard in a British community. It is startling when applied to a small body of hard-working men, wholly devoted to the arts of peace and alleviation of suffering.

"What term should be employed if a member of the Government party informs doctors that if they do not accept contract, another will be introduced who will? What is the word which expresses the position when a Minister calls an alien practitioner to his office and reminds him of the hospitality extended to him by the Government? Those tactics touch a chord of memory in the alien brotherhood —is the curse following them even here?

"Now legislative coercion is held out. There is no doubt about the power; but what of the effects? Who will suffer? Is a coerced doctor likely to be efficient? There is more in medical practice than signing a contract card, performing 'all proper and necessary services of medical practitioners except such services as may, in accordance with regulations, be excluded therefrom,' and receiving fifteen shillings. Are the finer qualities so requisite for dealing with the sick at all likely to be stimulated by coercion?

"Coercion is a spreading disease. We have noted its epidemic character in Europe. When it has attacked the doctors, which way will it spread? Naturally, to their patients of all classes."