§ 29. Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health whether he has approached the Union of Medical Practitioners, a body nearly 10,000 strong and affiliated to the Trade Union Congress, in respect of the 1545 supply of medical men for the forces and for the examination of recruits; and will he accept the services of this organisation, which is available for co-operation with the Government?
§ Mr. ElliotThe register of medical men available for the duties indicated is kept by the Central Medical War Committee which, with its local committees, is widely representative of the profession. While, therefore, I appreciate the desire of the union to co-operate, I am afraid that I could not usefully avail myself of their services for the two purposes suggested.
§ Mr. GrovesWould not this be a golden opportunity for the Minister to try to carry out the presently understood intention of the Government to work in cooperation with the trade union movement?
§ Mr. ElliotI have always done my best to co-operate with the trade union movement, and in an instance like that of the building industry I have had a valuable opportunity for an interview with them. This is a case of different organisations and there are difficulties, as the hon. Gentleman knows, in negotiating with two different organisations.
§ Mr. GrovesWhat difference can the Minister draw between a trade union doctor and a trade union bricklayer?
§ Mr. ElliotThe Central Medical Register collected the names of 98 per cent. of the profession, and that in any organisation would be regarded as a pretty good register.