§ 26. Sir Henry Morris-Jonesasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the general misgiving about the White 338 Paper proposals on a National Health Service, expressed in recent months by many local authorities, voluntary hospital associations and the medical and allied professions, he will postpone the introduction of legislation pending further discussion in the House, or until after a General Election.
§ Mr. WillinkI do not think that there is any general desire—or that it is the wish of the House—that we should depart from the procedure previously announced; which assumes a stage of full discussion with the professional and other organisations concerned, followed by the submission of legislative proposals.
§ Sir H. Morris-JonesWill my right hon. and learned Friend not reconsider this perfectly reasonable request? Does he appreciate that the only country in the world that has succeeded in establishing a whole-time State service is Russia? And has he any evidence whatever that the people of this country desire this great change in their traditional relationship with the family doctor?
§ Mr. WillinkThere are three parts to that supplementary. To the first, the answer is: "No, Sir"; to the third, the answer is: "Yes, Sir"; and the second I am unable to answer.