§ 26. Mr. Skinnardasked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange that lists of homœopathic medical practitioners, similar to publicly-exhibited lists of practitioners in other specialised fields of medical service, are provided for the information of persons desirous of homœopathic treatment.
§ Mr. BevanNo, Sir. In my view it would not be in the public interest to seek to distinguish different forms of therapy practised by doctors providing general medical services.
§ Mr. SkinnardIs not my right hon. Friend aware that a number of patients are asking for this information, which is normally given in such lists, and that it is rather unfair to the patient demanding this type of service that the only source of information is the executive councils who might regard this form of practice as heretical?
§ Mr. BevanVarious forms of health treatment differ very often with the doctors who are giving them. It is very undesirable indeed to distinguish between one form of treatment and another. Homœopathic treatment can be given by registered medical practitioners and there is no reason why it should be distinguished from other forms of treatment.
§ Colonel Stoddart-ScottWill the right hon. Gentleman assure this House that he will not add any names to that list, or have any names added to it, except those of practitioners who have had adequate medical education and who have the appropriate medical qualifications?
§ Mr. BevanNo one is allowed to practise who is not on the Medical Register. It is assumed that they have had an adequate medical education.
§ Dr. SegalIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is felt to be unethical for any doctor to advertise himself as a practitioner in a particular form of treatment?
§ Mr. SkinnardIs the Minister also aware that the Question does not ask that a doctor shall advertise himself but that information shall be given to patients under the National Health Service.