HC Deb 08 July 1926 vol 197 cc2264-5
61. Mr. ERSKINE

asked the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what was the object in appointing a lay member on the General Medical Council?

Major HENNESSY (Vice-Chamberlain of the Household)

It would be contrary to practice to disclose the grounds upon which the Privy Council advised His Majesty to make the recent appoint- ment. No doubt my hon. Friend is acquainted with the public discussion which has taken place in connexion with the constitution of the General Medical Council.

Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

May I ask whether the appointment of a lay member signifies any change in the policy which the General Medical Council adopted towards Dr. Axham?

Colonel HENNESSY

I should like to have notice of that question.

Mr. ERSKINE

Arising out of that question, may I ask if the hon. and gallant Gentleman is aware—

Colonel DAY

Do not read it.

Mr. ERSKINE

I am not reading it. May I ask if the hon. and gallant Member is aware that Dr. Collis, a registered medical practitioner, is now acting in the same capacity as Dr. Axham acted in times gone past to Sir Thomas Barker?

Mr. SPEAKER

That question seems to involve an individual, and may carry an implication which is not plain to me at the moment. For that reason, I should like to see the question in writing.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

May I ask the hon. and gallant Member if it is not the case that the purpose of appointing a lay member to the General Medical Council is to abate the autocracy of the medical profession and dilute the fanatical trade unionism with which they are possessed?

Mr. SPEAKER

I must ask the hon. and learned Member to try to shed some of the adjectives in his supplementary questions.