HC Deb 21 December 1954 vol 535 cc2573-4
16. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland who is responsible, under his regulations, for setting up the local medical committees; and their purpose in the administration of the general medical service.

Mr. J. Stuart

Local medical committees are formed by the medical profession themselves, and are accorded statutory recognition by the Secretary of State. They appoint medical members to the executive council; they must be consulted by the council on certain specified matters, and are normally consulted on other matters, affecting the general medical services; and they have a number of specific functions under the Regulations, including particularly the investigation of excessive prescribing.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the fact that the Secretary of State has intimated his responsibility for these local medical committees, may I ask if he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction at the manner in which many of them are carrying out the functions assigned to them, and that they are tending by their attitude to limit the right of a doctor to give the type of treatment which he considers necessary for a patient? In view of the assumption of this kind of judicial attitude, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that a doctor ought to be represented when he appears before one of these committees?

Mr. Stuart

I should like to examine the point which the hon. Member has raised, as we do not, of course, wish any dictatorial attitude to be adopted by these committees. I thought that they were working quite well, but I shall be glad to look into the matter.

Mr. Rankin

Is the Secretary of State aware that one of the interviews to which a doctor was called started by the chairman informing the doctor that he need not worry because on that occasion he would not be fined? Is that a proper attitude to take at an interview of that nature?

Mr. Stuart

I was not aware of that, but if the hon. Member will give me details, I will gladly look into it.