HC Deb 20 February 1956 vol 549 cc29-30
44. Mrs. White

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the names of the two Flintshire doctors who were recently censured for having drawn more than £3,000 each excess travelling expenses.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

No, Sir. It has been agreed with representatives of the professions that the names of people concerned in cases investigated by service committees of executive councils will not be published, except in the extreme case of the removal of a practitioner from the executive council's list.

Mrs. White

Does the hon. Lady not think that in a case of this magnitude the public is entitled to know the names of these doctors? Why should they shelter behind "Doctor A and Doctor B" in the report? In fairness to the other doctors in the area who may be suspected, the names in cases of this kind should be published.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I appreciate the views of the hon. Lady, but there is a very real difficulty in that executive councils are not privileged, like courts of law. Thus when complaints are made, whether by practitioners against patients or by patients against doctors, there is a risk that actions for libel might ultimately arise. There is not the same protection as there is in courts of law, and therefore the procedure is more difficult.

Mrs. White

Is the hon. Lady not aware that in this case an official was dismissed from his job and that his career has been affected for life? Surely there is a great disparity when an official is ruined for life and the doctors concerned escape by not having their names published.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Would the hon. Lady consider, if not necessarily publishing the evidence, about which I realise there is some difficulty, publishing the names as well, as the decision reached in a case of this sort, in view of the importance of enabling public opinion to make itself felt in such matters?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The hon. Gentleman will realise that all these procedures were agreed with the professions at the inception of the National Health Service. Any radical departure from them would have to be discussed and agreed with the professions concerned.

Mr. H. Morrison

Why has a procedure been agreed with the professions whereby nothing can be done to publish the names of offenders? Will the hon. Lady give an undertaking that the matte' will be reopened with the professions? Is she not aware that when members of local authorities receive excess expense payments severe notice is taken and such matters become public? Why should members of local authorities be treated one way and doctors treated in another?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I am sure my right hon. Friend will give full consideration to the views that have been expressed.

Mrs. White

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.