HC Deb 11 February 1943 vol 386 c1428
26. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the need for more adequate supply of doctors on the home front, he will convene a meeting of the Minister of Health and the heads of the three Service Departments, with a view to making some provision whereby any doctors who have been called up but temporarily have no regular duties to perform are enabled to resume their civil practice until such time as regular duties are available for them.

Mr. E. Brown

Arrangements are already in operation under which doctors urgently needed in their civil practices are, on the application of the Central Medical War Committee, temporarily released from their Service duties, where this is practicable.

Mr. De la Bère

Is the Minister aware of the disturbing fact that there are many districts throughout the country where there is a great shortage of doctors, and can he do something still further to remedy this matter, which is a very serious matter?