HC Deb 28 February 1955 vol 537 cc1702-3
32 and 33. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Health (1) why the committee to inquire into the number of doctors likely to be engaged in medical practice in the future contains three members who have been associated with health administration in Scotland, eight members who have been associated with health administration in England, and no members who have been associated with health administration in Wales; and if he will make a statement;

(2) in view of the official recognition of Welsh problems in health administration by the institution of the Welsh Board of Health, if he will consult with the Minister for Welsh Affairs about the Committee which he has set up to inquire into the number of doctors likely to be engaged in medical practice in the future, and particularly about the advisability of adding some Welsh members to this Committee.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The members of this Committee have been appointed solely on their personal qualifications and not as representatives of particular areas or interests. I am confident that they will take full account of any points special to Wales, and that the interests of the Welsh health services which, through the Welsh Board of Health, are my direct responsibility, will not be prejudiced in any way.

Mr. Gower

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, however these men have been appointed to the Committee, in fact it contains three men who have been connected with Scottish health administration and a large number who have been associated with English health administration? Is he aware that this is regarded in Wales, by people who are not nationalists, as a singularly tactless and unnecessary affront to Welsh opinion?

Mr. Macleod

As regards the first part of the supplementary question, any high-level committee, particularly one dealing with medical matters, would be bound to have a large number of Scots upon it. As far as the Welsh point of view is concerned, it is true, of course, that this matter has not been dealt with in any way upon a regional basis. Wales is one of the 14 regions in England and Wales and the Committee is so small that I do not think it practical to add to it.

Mr. D. Jones

Did the right hon. Gentleman consult the Minister for Welsh Affairs? If not, why not?

Mr. Macleod

Yes, Sir. All these proposals are notified to my colleagues, including the Home Secretary.