§ 38. Mr. Platts-Millsasked the Minister of Health how many potential medical specialists, namely, those with higher medical or surgical qualifications, have been placed in specialist employment since the establishment of the National Health Service; and what proportion of the available potential specialist force does this represent.
§ Mr. Platts-MillsIf my right hon. Friend cannot get it, will he seek wider by going to the General Medical Council and the B.M.A.? Does he appreciate that if he does not know how many potential specialists there are available and how many of them have jobs, it is quite impossible to plan any kind of system connected with specialists' services?
§ Mr. BevanI am afraid that the hon. Member entirely misunderstands the position. If he had been here for the Debate the other evening he would know that the designation "specialists" has no necessary connection with academic qualifications, and, therefore, the number of potential specialists in the country cannot be known until they are graded.
§ Mr. Platts-MillsDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that most 584 specialists have that title by virtue of their qualifications? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] The country needs the benefit of the skilled services of these potential specialists.
§ Mr. BevanIf the hon. Member will do myself and the House the service of reading the Debate he will understand the position, which obviously he does not now.