§ 31. Miss Baconasked the Minister of Health what is his policy, in an over-doctored area, in respect of those doctors who wish to have more than 4,000 patients on their lists.
§ Mr. BevanIn general, I should not give permission to exceed the normal maximum in any area where the Medical Practices Committee consider that the number of doctors was adequate.
§ Miss BaconIs my right hon. Friend aware that in one area, where the average number of patients per doctor is only a little over 2,000, a doctor has been allowed to build up a practice of 6,000 by bringing in an assistant? Is this, with his consent?
§ Mr. BevanI will certainly cause inquiries to be made into this case but, of course, where the doctor has an assistant he is able to have a larger list.