THE MEDICAL BILL

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 74, 24 September 1941, Page 8

THE MEDICAL BILL

AN OUTSPOKEN ATTACK

COMMERCIAL VIEW

"The measure strikes a deadly blow at the principles of democracy for which we are fighting, and is the antithesis of what Britishers treasure more than anything elseliberty and freedom," declared the president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce (Mr. B. H. Nimmo) in an outspoken attack on the Social Security Amendment Bill at last night's meeting of the chamber. The president's remarks were endorsed by the chamber. Mr. Nimmo said '■hat there had been considerable discussion and publicity in connection with the Bill, and it was obvious that the genera] opinion of the public of New Zealand was opposed to the arbitary manner in which compulsion was being forced on an important section of the community. _ "Speaking as president -of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and, I feel, at the same time voicing the opinion of the business community of New Zealand as a whole," he continued, "I consider that the measure is a breach of faith and savours of a stab in the back to those many members of the medical profession who have voluntarily sacrificed their homes and practices to serve their country overseas. If this coercion and curtailment of personal liberty is persisted in it is abundantly clear to all logical. minds, as it must also be to the Government, that the provisions of the Bill will create,a gulf in public opinion which will be difficult to bridge. /It will split the country from end to end and create dissension at a time when harmony is essential to the Dominion's maximum war effort. "There seems to be no logical reason why the coercive and compulsory provisions of this Bill should not be deferred until the present emergency has passed. The measure strikes a deadly blow at the principles of democracy for which we are fighting and is the antithesis of what Britishers treasure more than anything else —liberty and freedom. NO MANDATE GIVEN. "Another point which must, not be overlooked is the mandate which the j people of this country have given to the Government in relation to social security. Social security benefits were j part of the present Government's election policy and the people accepted them, but it is important to note that no mandate was given to justify the compulsory coercion s of the medical profession under the Social Security Amendment Bill. I say deliberately it is more than any responsible Government elected on democratic principles should do in a British community without a definite mandate at any time, far less during a state of war, when such a measure makes no direct contribution to the emergency. "The time has come when the passive acceptance of enactments which cut across the constitutional and democratic rights of institutions and individuals must be stopped," declared Mr. Nimmo, "and I say that it is the clear duty of the Chamber of Commerce and other responsible bodies to take up this challenge and stand resolutely opposed to the Balkanising of our social, commercial, and democratic, institutions. "If the Government conscripts the doctors in the manner proposed such action will be contrary to all the principles of trade unions for which the Labour Party fought and now stands. If it. seeks to set up a medical service by forced labour it is foredoomed to failure, chiefly because of the fact that the relationship between doctor and patient is of such a personal, intimate, and continuing nature. If this attempt to Coerce the doctors is persisted in then no man's job in this* country is safe. ' ' • ABILITY TO PAY. "The provision of essential medical services for the community, regardless of the ability of the individual to pay, is both necessary and worthy," added Mr. Nimmo, "but surely this can be! obtained by negotiationl and good will, j In view of the acute stage now reached the public have the right to look to the Government and the medical profession to get together and promptly formulate an acceptable and workable scheme." Mr. M. G. C. McCaul, in congratulating Mr. Nimmo on his remarks, said that some steps should be taken to ensure that those sections of the community who could not afford to pay should receive proper attention. 11l health was one of the greatest causes of inefficiency. He suggested that the position could be met by an extension of the outdoor patient, system. It should be strictly confined to those who could not afford to pay. "I do not 1 believe that those receiving good wages should get the service for nothing," added Mr. McCaul. "They should pay."