§ 9. Mr. Turner-Samuelsasked the Minister of Health to make a statement at an early date on the implementation or otherwise of the Cope Report.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodYes, Sir. As the result of discussions with the professional bodies of medical auxiliaries, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I are satisfied that there is insufficient agreement on fundamental matters to proceed with statutory registration on the lines proposed by the Cope Committees. We intend, therefore, as soon as possible to make regulations, using the power of Section 66 of the National Health Service Act, 1946. and Section 65 of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act, 1947, to prescribe qualifications for medical auxiliaries for the purpose of employment in the National Health Service. We shall shortly give the professional and other bodies concerned an opportunity to comment on an outline of the regulations proposed.
§ Mr. Turner-SamuelsI want to thank the Minister for his statement and ask him whether, now that this Report is not to be implemented, he will consider the question of physiotherapists and other medical auxiliary service practitioners who have been previously affected as a result of the Report? For instance, a number of experienced physiotherapists have been unjustly refused employment under the National Health Service administration in hospitals because they were not members of a particular organisation. Will the Minister consider that matter, and have it examined and corrected?
§ Mr. MacleodI am aware of the difficulties of medical auxiliaries and particularly of the physiotherapists to whom the hon. and learned Gentleman refers. I intend, when making the regulations, to withdraw the temporary instructions given in August, 1951, and I will do everything I can to see that the regulations which I propose are fair to all the associations concerned.