§ 11. Dr. Segalasked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that medical practices are still being advertised by private agencies for sale and purchase; and what steps he proposes to take to put an end to this practice;
(2) whether he can now make arrangements to establish official agencies for the transfer of medical practices, partnerships and assistantships.
§ Mr. BevanThere is no prohibition on the sale and purchase of purely private practices and I see no objection to such 3009 transactions being handled by private agencies. The transfer of practices, and the introduction of new partners and assistants, in the National Health Service, are already controlled by the appropriate official bodies.
§ Dr. SegalIs my right hon. Friend aware that practices are being advertised which include as part of their income the income from the National Health Service? And does he not regard it as highly undesirable that the professional careers of duly qualified medical men should be left in the hands of these commercial agencies?
§ Mr. BevanIf my hon. Friend will let me have information about such advertisements, I will have inquiries made.