HC Deb 11 December 1935 vol 307 cc893-4
30. Mr. T. SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the protests of the Jewish agency against the restriction of medical licences in Palestine to persons who are naturalised and the fact that a number of Jewish doctors of German nationality are anxious to set up practice in Palestine, he will state the reason for the promulgation of the ordinance restricting medical licences in this manner?

Mr. THOMAS

The Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Ordinance, 1935, places no restriction on the number of licences to practise medicine which may be granted to Palestinian citizens by birth or persons who became Palestinian citizens or received permission to remain permanently in Palestine on or before 1st December, 1935. The quota restriction imposed by the Ordinance affects only persons who became Palestinian citizens or received permission to remain permanently in Palestine after that date. Further, persons who will be employed solely in the practice of medicine in or on behalf of any recognised medical or scientific institution will be exempt from the quota. The reason for the enactment of this Ordinance was that, in view of the great influx of medical practitioners in recent years, the profession was becoming overcrowded, a situation which bad given rise to abuses, and had seriously affected the livelihood of established and reputable practitioners.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the established recognised medical practitioners did not ask for this Ordinance, and that it affects merely the unfortunate refugees from Germany?

Mr. THOMAS

I am aware of the fact that there were a certain number of medical practitioners in Palestine, that owing to the unfortunate circumstances in Germany there was a large influx of others, and that those engaged in the medical profession asked for some protection for their position—

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Not a single one.

Mr. THOMAS

—and what I have read to the House indicates that steps were taken on their request.

Mr. THURTLE

On a point of Order. May I ask through you, Mr. Speaker, whether the right hon. Gentleman will cultivate the art of brevity?

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