HC Deb 03 July 1939 vol 349 cc918-9
65. Mr. Gordon Macdonald

asked the Minister of Health the names of the advisory committee for the area of the Lancashire County Council, set up in consequence of Circular 1705 of the Ministry of Health; and what consultations took place prior to the setting up of the committee?

Mr. Bernays

I am informed by the county council that the committee is composed as follows:

  • Chairman: Dr. Hall, County Medical Officer.
  • Obstetric consultants: Professor Leyland Robinson, Professor Dougal.
  • General Practitioners: Dr. Marsh, Dr. Winstanley.
Before making these appointments consultation took place, as suggested in the circular, with the organisations of medical practitioners which appeared to the county council effectively to represent the opinions of practitioners in the county. The President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists was approached with regard to the appointment of the two obstetric consultants, and the general practitioners and their deputies were nominated for appointment by the Lancashire and Cheshire Branch of the British Medical Association.

66. Mr. Macdonald

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the powers invested in the advisory committee, set up under Circular 1705, are not excessive, in so far as they interfere with the free and unrestricted practice of midwifery, etc., assured to every legally qualified and registered practitioner under the Medical Acts; and whether he is aware that such a restriction has the disapproval of a large body of medical opinion?

Mr. Bernays

The functions, which in Circular 1705 it is suggested might be exercised by an advisory committee of the kind referred to in the Circular, relate to a list prepared by a local authority for the purposes of a public service and my right hon. Friend cannot agree that they interfere with the rights of medical practitioners to practise midwifery. My right hon. Friend is not aware that the suggestions in the Circular respecting the functions in question have the disapproval of a large body of medical opinion.

67. Mr. Macdonald

asked the Minister of Health whether, as it is possible for Circular 1705, sent out by his Department, to so limit the choice of an expectant mother as to prevent her from having the services of her family doctor should she so desire, he will so modify the Circular to do away with such a hardship?

Mr. Bernays

The Circular does not impose or purport to impose such a limitation as is suggested in the question. The procedure suggested in the Circular contemplates that ordinarily some practioner on the list prepared by the local supervising authority will be acceptable to the expectant mother, but the Circular makes it clear that where this is not the case and the expectant mother desires the services of some other duly qualified medical practitioner, this practitioner should be called in by the midwife.