HC Deb 10 June 1943 vol 390 cc842-4
59 Dr. Edith Summerskill

asked the Minister of Health (1) on what facts he bases his opinion that the imple- mentation of Assumption B by the introduction of a salaried medical service is now in the discard;

(2) how he proposes to obtain the views of the doctors in the services and those who are not members of any organisation on the future of medical practice;

(3) how he proposes to obtain the views of the people on a State Medical Service and on the extension of the present system of. medical practice, respectively, before he issues a white Paper?

Mr. E. Brown

I have repeatedly tried to make it clear that the recently-resumed discussions with the representative committee of medical men and women are to be regarded as only a preliminary and non-committal exchange of ideas, that I hope as the next step to publish the Government's appreciation of the main issues involved, and that this publication will afford everyone—including those in the Forces—a full opportunity of open and public discussion before final decisions are taken.

Dr. Summerskill

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, why do the British Medical Association quote him as saying that the salaried medical service is in discard?

Mr. Brown

I am not responsible for what the British Medical Association say.

Dr. Summerskill

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that the future health service must deal primarily with the needs of the people, and not with those of the doctors?

Mr. Brown

The needs of the people are the primary issue, and my hon. Friend understands that there are many other bodies besides doctors to be consulted.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Did not health come before there were any doctors?

Mr. Storey

Will my right hon. Friend make it quite clear that what he is seeking is not a State medical service, but a comprehensive health service, based on co-operation between the medical profession, the voluntary agencies and the local authorities?

Mr. Brown

That has already been made clear in more than one Government statement.

Sir Henry Morris-Jones

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the medical profession repudiate any idea of becoming full-time civil servants?