HC Deb 23 October 1952 vol 505 cc1245-6
22. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Health what portion of the Danckwerts award will be passed on to doctor assistants and trainee apprentices; and how far, in view of this award, he considers it necessary to continue payments to doctors for trainee assistants.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I cannot say what adjustments in the light of the Danckwerts award will be made in the salaries of assistants, which is a matter for the doctors who employ them.

No changes are at present under consideration in the arrangements for paying grants to doctors who supervise the training of assistants.

Mrs. Mann

Would the Minister consider making changes in view of the fact that when the Danckwerts recommendations were originally put forward there was no Government grant of £1,000 to doctors for what are really locums who help them in their work? We are continuing to give them £1,000 per annum, but they are not apprentices.

Mr. Macleod

I would not agree that this is just a subsidy to locums. I think it has very much more value than that and, as the hon. Lady knows, both the original scheme and, in consequence, the Danckwerts award, were attached to principals and not to assistants.

Major Lloyd

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is some difference of opinion in the medical profession as to how these sums of money should be allocated? Will he consider representations on this subject before the final recommendations are approved by the Government?

Mr. Macleod

I have already started implementing the award of the Danckwerts money. It was passed without comment by the House before the Recess, but I shall be happy to consider any representations which are made on this important matter.