HC Deb 16 July 1953 vol 517 cc2229-31
21. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Labour how doctors are selected for the medical examination of National Service recruits; what fees are payable; and what age limit is imposed on the doctors so selected.

Sir W. Monckton

Vacancies on the panels of the National Service medical boards are filled on the recommendation of a regional medical officer of the Ministry of Health, after consultation with the local medical committee appointed under the National Health Acts. No precise qualifications are laid down, but a minimum of 10 years' professional experience is expected, and the majority of practitioners appointed in recent years have had Service experience.

Members of National Service medical boards are paid £2 12s. 6d. per session, normally of 2½ hours, with an additional half-guinea for the chairman. No age limit is imposed provided the doctor is fully fit and efficient, but, in general, a doctor over 65 years of age would not be nominated for appointment.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is the Minister aware that in some cases the chairmen of these medical boards are over 70? That seems to conflict with what he has just said. Is he also aware that his decision, just announced, that these doctors will themselves be examined, will do a good deal to dispel the anxiety caused by their recent activities?

Sir W. Monckton

As to the first part of that supplementary question, I do not think that the suggestion which the hon. and gallant Member makes is in conflict with what I said. I was dealing with the appointment of these people. I said that they are not appointed when they are over 65, in the ordinary way. I know that some of them serve until they are 70, and some of the best of them are 70, but I had not intended to criticise these doctors who make up the boards, and who have, over the years, rendered great service both in this Administration and the last. All I intend to do—and I have already taken action in the matter—is to gather some of the chairmen of boards throughout different parts of the country for consultation in this matter to see whether we can improve the administration.

Mr. Snow

In the matter of certain recent cases which have caused embarrassment, is it not a fact that much of the blame which has been attached to the Secretary of State for War by certain newspapers should be attached to the right hon. and learned Gentleman?

Sir W. Monckton

rose—

Mr. Snow

Further, is it not a fact that these boards investigate cases which should never come before them but should be transferred to other employment?

Sir W. Monckton

I am not aware of the answer to the second part of that supplementary question. I did not know about that. As to the first part, I was rushing to assume responsibility, which I think the hon. Member quite rightly attributed to me rather than to my right hon. Friend, and I must accept it.

Sir H. Williams

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that there are, on the benches opposite, Members of Parliament who are doctors and who are over 70?