§ 36. Mr. Jewsonasked the Minister of Health whether he has taken steps to provide an adequate increase in the number of medical men in defence areas from which the ban has now been lifted, causing the return of the population; and whether the needs of these areas will be provided for before the winter sets in.
§ Mr. WillinkThe local medical war committees, whose function it is to ensure an adequate medical service in their areas under present war conditions, are keeping the situation under review. I understand that no special difficulty in these areas has so far been brought to notice, but if and when the need arises the Committees will no doubt make recommendations to the Central Medical War Committee in the normal way.
§ Mr. JewsonIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the local committee in my constituency has made a recommendation to the Central Committee, and that the Central Committee has refused to carry it out?
§ Mr. WillinkI was not aware of that, but the Central Committee looks at the situation over the whole country where there is a general shortage of practitioners.
§ Mr. JewsonIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that already over 8,000 persons have returned to my constituency and that the few remaining medical men are not of an age to cope with the extra work?
§ Mr. WillinkI am sure that in the circumstances the local committee will make a further recommendation.