HC Deb 08 May 1905 vol 145 cc1127-8
MR. CALDWELL (Lanarkshire, Mid)

On behalf of the hon. Member for Ross and Cromarty, I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he will take such steps as may be necessary to secure the representation of laymen on the General Medical Council.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. AKERS-DOUSLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine's

Perhaps I may be permitted to reply to this Question. Under the Medical Act, 1886, Section 7, the General Council consists of members nominated by the Privy Council and by the Royal Colleges and a number of other learned bodies, and of elected representatives of medical practitioners. There is nothing in the Act to prevent the nominating bodies choosing laymen; but I am informed that no representations have ever reached the Privy Council Office in favour of the course proposed in the Question.