HC Deb 15 March 1951 vol 485 cc1747-8
27. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Health if he can give the population and numbers of doctors resident in Bournemouth, Brighton, Reading and Stoke-on-Trent, respectively.

Mr. Marquand

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Smith

Do the figures indicate that the people resident in industrial centres are not getting the medical attention they should, while medical practitioners are overworked, and, if so, will my right hon. Friend, as soon as possible, consider making an order so that there can be an allocation of medical men in proportion to the population?

Mr. Marquand

This is constantly under consideration, and every effort is made to man-up under-doctored areas.

Mr. Smith

Will my right hon. Friend consider this as a matter of urgency, as people in industrial centres are working harder and faster than ever, and require the medical attention which they should be able to get?

Mr. Marquand

I am giving it immediate attention.

Following is the answer:

The population and number of doctors resident in these areas are, according to the latest available figures as follow:

— Population (30th June, 1950) Doctors (1st January,1951)
Bournemouth … 139,600 82
Brighton … 157,600 65
Reading … 115,470 64
Stoke-on-Trent … 275,700 94