HC Deb 04 November 1948 vol 457 c1013
27. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Health why it has been decided that new entrants to the general practice of medicine are not to receive the basic salary as of right.

Mr. Bevan

To meet the wishes of the medical profession. themselves.

43. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Health in how many cases applications for basic salary have been received by executive councils in England and Wales; and in how many cases this has been granted.

Mr. Bevan

Precise figures are not available but I understand that more than a thousand applications have been granted.

Mr. Hastings

Can the Minister give any idea of the proportion of the applications which have been granted?

Mr. Bevan

I cannot give any details at the moment. This is primarily a matter for the executive councils. Unless appeals are made at this stage, I would not have the information.

Mr. Hastings

Can my right hon. Friend say how many appeals are now in his hands?

Mr. Bevan

Not without notice.

Mr. Charles Williams

Can the Minister say how long it will be until we can have a little further information on this point?

Dr. Segal

Does not the Minister agree that the attempt on the part of the medical profession to impose a means test upon doctors who apply for a basic salary, is really an effort to defeat the whole object of the basic salary?

Mr. Bevan

It would be very undesirable for me to make a comment upon the representations of the medical profession. I must deal with the representatives of the profession. If doctors have individual complaints they ought to make them first to their profession, so that I may hear them through the profession.

Forward to