HC Deb 09 July 1956 vol 556 c9
23. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that medical practitioners in the course of their work will be subject to payment when parking meters are installed; and what allowances will be made to National Health Service doctors to offset this charge.

Mr. Turton

The remuneration of doctors providing general medical services under the National Health Service already takes account of practice expenses generally, and I do not propose any special action in respect of this particular matter.

Dr. Stross

But practice expenses are not the sum total of the type of charge envisaged in this Question. Does not the Minister think it is rather unfair that men who have to visit frequently in specific areas should have to pay these charges?

Mr. Turton

Practice expenses do take account of certain parking expenses, but I understand that the regulations concerning parking meters have not yet been formulated. I believe a Question is to be asked on Wednesday of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation dealing with that matter. I do not think it arises at the moment.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Will the Minister make representations to the Minister of Transport and ask him for some flexibility in this matter so that general practitioners waiting on patients shall not have to pay parking meter charges?

Mr. Turton

I think it would be wiser if the hon. Member awaited the reply of my right hon. Friend next Wednesday.

Dr. Stross

Is not the Minister aware that his right hon. Friend has written to me stating that he cannot make any change and that these charges will be made?

Mr. Turton

I am not aware of the private communications between my right hon. Friend and the hon. Member.