HC Deb 08 December 1954 vol 535 cc955-6
42. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will press for the recognition of medical degrees given by the Makerere College, as a qualification to practise medicine in the United Kingdom and the Colonies.

Mr. Hopkinson

It is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to encourage the raising of the standard of medical qualifications accorded by the university colleges in the Colonies to a level at which they can be recognised by the General Medical Council in the United Kingdom and by Colonial Governments generally.

Representatives of the Council have already visited Makerere on more than one occasion for the purpose of reporting to the Council on the standards achieved at the Mulago medical school, and a further such visit can be expected to be made at an appropriate time.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Stewart.

Mr. Rankin rose—

Mr. Speaker

I did not observe the hon. Member rise before, and I have already called Mr. Stewart.

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order. Surely I was on my feet immediately the Minister sat down?

Mr. Speaker

We may differ about a moment of time, but I looked at the hon. Gentleman and I did not know whether he was going to rise or not. If any hon. Gentleman wishes to ask a supplementary question, it is only fair to other hon. Members that he should rise immediately.

Mr. M. Stewart

Further to that point of order. May I respectfully say, Mr. Speaker, that it was apparent to me that my hon. Friend wished to rise, which was the reason I hesitated in rising.

Mr. Speaker

I did not observe that, but, as I do not want to be unfair to the hon. Member, perhaps he will ask his supplementary question now.

Mr. Rankin

Is the Minister aware that he has not answered the Question which I placed on the Order Paper? My Question asked him whether he will press for the recognition of medical degrees given by the Makerere College as a qualification to practise medicine in the United Kingdom. He has not answered that Question.

Mr. Hopkinson

I thought I made it quite clear that the General Medical Council is the body which grants recognition of medical qualifications, and that this is entirely a matter for the discretion of the Council itself.