§ 44. Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the dissatisfaction of 3,000 residents of Woodingdean at the calling up of the only local medical practitioner and the inadequate medical attention now available; and is he satisfied that the provisions of the National Insurance Acts are being fully observed in that district.
§ Mr. WillinkI have received representations on this matter from the local residents' association. These were referred to the Central Medical War Committee who, after full consideration of the facts (which included the number of doctors remaining in the area), felt unable to recommend that the doctor to whom my hon. and gallant Friend refers should be granted further leave from the Army. On the second part of the Question, I understand that special arrangements have been made by the Insurance Committee concerned for a medical service to be provided in Woodingdean by a number of doctors from Brighton and Rottingdean.
§ Rear-Admiral BeamishIs the Minister aware that the residents of the district are very concerned, and that the interim arrangements are considered to be wholly inadequate? Could the Minister arrange for one of his own officials to spend an hour or two in the district, and I think he would be persuaded that I am right?
§ Mr. WillinkI should find difficulty in doing that. These questions are arising all over the country through our shortage of medical man-power. The matter is first considered by the local Medical War Committee, then, if necessary, by the Central Medical War Committee. I am told that in this case special arrangements have been made for five doctors to help Woodingdean.