HC Deb 28 June 1951 vol 489 cc1554-6
11. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Health what were the terms of the offer to increase the remuneration of doctors under the National Health Scheme; what were the conditions attached to this offer; and if he will give an assurance that in the event of a refusal by the medical profession he will send the case to arbitration.

Mr. Marquand

I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the letter addressed to the British Medical Association. As regards the last part of the Question, I will consider this issue if it arises.

Mr. Awbery

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it has been reported that the offer made to the medical fraternity was refused, because the condition attached to it was that they should save on their drug bills? If that is not so, will he contradict it? If he cannot come to an agreement with the Association, will he refer the matter to arbitration on similar lines to arbitration in industrial disputes?

Mr. Marquand

I think that my hon. Friend is somewhat misinformed. I invited the General Practices Committee to join a working party with certain suggested terms of reference. I have not yet received any reply to that invitation, which is now being considered by the general body of doctors.

Dr. Hill

Was not one of the suggestions made in the correspondence and exchanges to which the Minister has referred that part, or all, of the additional remuneration should come through savings in prescribing?

Mr. Marquand

One of the items which it was suggested that the working party should consider was how far there could be some saving on the drug bill.

Commander Maitland

In view of the interest in this matter and the fact that all hon. Members have doctors in their constituencies, could not this letter be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Mr. Marquand

Yes, Sir. I have no objection to that.

Mr. Awbery

Is it not correct that an offer of£2 million was made on condition that this amount was saved by cutting the use of expensive drugs?

Mr. Marquand

No, Sir, it is not.

15. Mr. Wakefield

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements have been made to protect doctors serving in the Territorial Forces against loss of practice in the event of their being called up for service.

Mr. Marquand

I am discussing the matter with the British Medical Association.

Mr. Wakefield

Will the Minister expedite the completion of arrangements of the nature suggested, because there is a good deal of uncertainty amongst doctors already attached to the Territorial Forces? There may be some reluctance to get new doctors, in view of the present uncertainty.

Mr. Marquand

Yes, Sir. I will certainly do all I can to expedite that, but I am still waiting for a reply to an invitation to have a discussion.