HC Deb 07 December 1948 vol 459 cc253-4
17. Mr. Carmichael

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will submit a report on the work of the National Health Service in Scotland, including some detailed evidence of the earnings of doctors, dentists and opticians; and the difference in the cost of denture treatment and of artificial dentures and glasses compared with costs for similar services prior to the commencement of the National Health Service.

Mr. Woodburn

A report on the Health Service will be included in the next annual report of the Department of Health for Scotland.

Mr. Carmichael

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very serious increase in charges to the State and the necessity for an immediate examination? A medical officer in Scotland has already indicated that in his area dentists are now earning, on an average, £15,000 per annum. Only on Friday of last week Glasgow Corporation received a report to the effect that, while formerly they paid 8s. 4d. for school children's glasses, they are now paying £2 10s. Surely, that calls for some immediate action?

Mr. Woodburn

A great many stories go about, and there are facts accumulating which, perhaps, are a little unsettling, but these matters are receiving the careful attention of the responsible committee. In due course, they will be examined, and action taken, if necessary.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

As the report of the Department of Health is not likely to be presented to the House for many months, and as the matter is urgent—for example, some doctors in my district have suffered such serious cuts in their incomes that they cannot meet their responsibilities—is there not a case for a special interim report to be made?

Mr. Woodburn

I met the representatives of the doctors on Friday, and it is rather curious that they did not mention this matter. I should have thought they would have been the first people to have brought it to our attention if it had been necessary to do so.

Mr. Carmichael

If the Minister has evidence prior to the submission of this report, has he sufficient authority to alter the conditions regarding opticians and dentists?

Mr. Woodburn

Action has already been taken with regard to one set of factors mentioned by the hon. Gentleman, and, of course, administrative action will be taken where necessary.