HC Deb 19 February 1942 vol 377 cc1880-1
16. Sir Leonard Lyle

asked the Minister of Health whether the calling-up of civil doctors has increased the average number of panel patients per panel doctor; and, if so, to what extent?

Mr. E. Brown

Yes, Sir. The calling-up of civil doctors has increased the average number of panel patients per working panel doctor, but in View of the connection with call-up statistics, it would not be in the public interest to indicate the extent of this increase.

Sir L. Lyle

Does it not indicate that a serious state of affairs may arise in regard to the health of the civil population which will hold up production and our war effort?

Mr. Brown

There is a difficult situation as regards medical man-power, and that is why the Committee is sitting under the chairmanship of my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary for the Dominions to determine priorities as between Service and civil needs.

Sir Frank Sanderson

Is it not a fact that the general conditions of health during war-time are higher than during times of peace?

Mr. Brown

That is a rather wide and sweeping statement.