§ 27. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Health if he will define the qualifications of a senior hospital medical officer and the minimum qualifications of a consultant under the National Health Service.
§ Mr. BevanI should not presume to do so. Each individual case needs judging on its merits by local professional committees suited to the task.
§ Mr. CollinsIs my right hon. Friend aware that owing to the lack of information on this subject there is a great deal of confusion and dissatisfaction? Does not he think that a statement on this particular point would be helpful to all the persons concerned with the matter?
§ Mr. BevanI cannot issue any general information on this matter. The grade to which the doctor belongs is decided by a professional committee, and I have not the least intention of interfering with that committee. They decide each case on its merits, and I can do no more than leave this matter to the members of the profession concerned.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, where the doctor has been demoted from a higher grade to a lower grade, he has a right of appeal to anybody?
§ Mr. BevanIt is wrong to speak of demoting. This is the first time grading has been done; therefore, there can be no demoting from a superior to an inferior grade. There is a review of the initial decision, and arrangements have been made to establish machinery for the purpose.