HC Deb 07 April 1949 vol 463 c2187
13. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Health if he will take the necessary steps to pay for a locum tenens when a doctor in the National Health Service is ill or incapacitated.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Aneurin Bevan)

No, Sir. In fixing the remuneration of general medical practitioners, full account was taken of practice expenses. The cost of employing a locum tenens where necessary forms part of these expenses.

Sir W. Smithers

In the event of a doctor being sick and an urgent case coming along, what is to happen to the patient who wants immediate attention? Cannot the Minister arrange for the locum tenens to be paid for the service?

Mr. Bevan

That is merely a repetition of the Question on the Order Paper.

Sir W. Smithers

The Minister has not answered it.

Mr. Bevan

The doctor is supposed to make arrangements himself.