§ 30 and 31. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that there were 35 doctors in receipt of unemployment benefit on 19th March, 1956; and what steps he is taking to find opportunities for employment for them in the National Health Service;
(2) whether he is aware of the existence of a permanent reservoir of unemployed or under-employed doctors unable to find work under the National Health Service; and if he will institute a full inquiry into these circumstances.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithIt is estimated that there are 53,000 doctors in active employment in Great Britain; the proportion receiving unemployment benefit is therefore extremely small. Every effort is made to bring vacant posts to notice. My right hon. Friend the present Minister of Labour and National Service appointed a committee to inquire into future requirements for doctors and medical students.
§ Dr. JohnsonDoes my hon. Friend appreciate that this small number of 35 is, in fact, only symptomatic of a considerably larger number, many of them young and competent doctors, who are unable to find places in the National Health Service? Is she aware that for every vacancy there are 80 to 100 applicants?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithIt was to meet these problems that the committee was appointed.
§ Dr. SummerskillCan the hon. Lady say whether the supply of doctors and potential doctors today is greater than the estimated future needs?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithI should like notice of that question.
§ Dr. StrossCan the hon. Lady throw any further light on this problem by giving any comparable figures for the situation as it existed before 1948?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithNot without notice.