asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that penalties were imposed on doctors recently for excessive prescribing; whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction that exists at this limitation of the purpose of health insurance; and whether he intends to take action that will remedy the situation?

My right hon. Friend gathers from the terms of my hon. Friend's question that he is not aware that power to withhold remuneration from insurance doctors on account of excessive prescribing has existed and has been exercised since medical benefit first came into operation in 1913. No limitation of the scope of medical benefit is involved, and the answer to the third part of the question is therefore in the negative.