38. Dr. Russell Thomasasked the Minister of Health the number of doctors whose names appear in the Medical Register.
§ Mr. WillinkThe number of doctors in the Medical Register at the end of last year was 71,882. This figure includes many who are not normally resident in the United Kingdom or who have retired from practice, as well as those registered, temporarily or otherwise, by virtue of Empire or foreign qualifications.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIs there any increase in the number of doctors in this country proportionate to the increase in the population?
§ Mr. WillinkI should like notice of that.
39. Dr. Russell Thomasasked the Minister of Health the number of doctors who are now serving in the Armed Forces of the Crown and in full-time employment in the Civil Defence services and any other service created during the national emergency.
§ Mr. WillinkIt would not be in the national interest to state the number of doctors serving in the Forces. The number 2183 employed full-time in the Civil Defence Services, the Emergency Medical Service and in other services created during the present war is about 1,100.
Dr. ThomasIn view of the fact that this figure is already known, that there are 30,000 doctors in all the services who will be seeking work when the war is over; and in view, too, of the fact that the right hon. and learned Gentleman suggests giving financial help to train more, is it his intention to have at call an army of potential cheap medical labour which will be economically forced to work a National Health Service, whether it likes it or not?
§ Mr. WillinkThis matter is to be debated at an early date.
Dr. ThomasAs this seriously affects a certain section of the community, may I give notice that I intend to raise the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment?