Clause 1.—(FULL REGISTRATION IN MEDICAL REGISTER NOT TO BE GRANTED WITHOUT PROOF OF EXPERIENCE.) (Hansard, 14 July 1950)

§ Lieut.-Colonel Elliot (Glasgow, Kelvingrove)

I should like to know whether the Minister will be able to look favourably upon an Amendment which we have on the Order Paper at a later stage. Clause 1, of course, has been the subject of a great deal of comment and of correspondence with which all hon. Members, or at any rate those hon. Members with some medical qualifications, have been deluged. It seems to us that we could properly discuss many of these matters on the Amendment which we have to a further Clause, but I should not like to allow this Clause to go by default now without discussion, if it were held by the Minister and by you, Sir Charles, that these various points as to the certification should be dealt with here. It will be seen that in Clause 1 it is mentioned: … it is certified under the next following section that he has had the experience specified in that section. We consider that the question, which this Clause undoubtedly raises, would be more appropriately considered under the next Clause where the arrangements for making such a certificate are laid down. If the Minister would agree to that and if you, Sir Charles, would find it in order, 1743 it seems to me that that course might be for the convenience of the Committee.

§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Bevan)

I understand that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has suggested that I should indicate the attitude of the Government towards certain Amendments to Clause 2, by which the Opposition seek to substitute an affirmative Resolution for the annulment procedure. There is an Amendment on the Order Paper to Clause 2, page 1, line 25, to which the Opposition attach some importance. The question which arises on that is whether the rules governing the intern are to be the subject of affirmative or negative Resolution. I understand that is the the point now put. I do not mind it being discussed, but I will say at once to the Opposition that I am extremely sympathetic to that Amendment. Although it is perfectly true that any hon. Member would always have the opportunity of putting down a Prayer to annul the Order, in this case, as we are starting something extremely novel and exceedingly important to the doctors, the House ought to have it even more in its possession. Therefore I am prepared to accept the Amendment to make it an affirmative Resolution.