HC Deb 21 January 1954 vol 522 c1171
2. Mrs. White

asked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that safeguards against fraud in the National Health Service are adequate, in view of the statement made by the President of the General Medical Council on undisclosed fraudulent practices, details of which have been sent to him.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The matter is under constant review, but I have no reason to think that there is any serious inadequacy.

Mrs. White

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a statement made by a person in such a prominent position in the medical world naturally causes uneasiness, and has he taken any steps since that statement was made some little while ago?

Mr. Macleod

I have taken no steps since the statement made by the President of the General Medical Council, but it is fair to say that perhaps the right interpretation has not been put on what was said. As I understand it, this was a warning that the General Medical Council, quite rightly, take a grave view of any laxity in these matters and was not an allegation that fraudulent practices or conduct were at all widespread.