HC Deb 11 June 1956 vol 554 cc28-9
39. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Minister of Health if he has considered the particulars supplied to him by the hon. Member for Carlisle in relation to three different regional hospital boards; why regional hospital boards have advertised posts of assistant physician (geriatics) and then failed to fill them from suitably-qualified applicants; and if he will take steps to ensure that in future all such posts are filled when suitably-qualified and experienced applicants are available.

Mr. Turton

From those particulars, which I have considered carefully, it appears that the boards decided that these senior posts could not suitably be filled from the applicants. This is a matter which must be left for decision by boards after considering the advice submitted by their advisory appointments committees.

Dr. Johnson

Since the evidence I have submitted to my right hon. Friend shows that, on the one hand, there are elderly people obviously in need of medical attention and, on the other, that there are doctors looking for jobs, will he not supervise this matter carefully and ask regional boards to make appointments wherever possible?

Mr. Turton

I must not supervise boards in this matter. The boards are the employers and are responsible for the Service. It must be for them to decide, on the advice of the appointments committee, whether the applicants are in all respects suitable.

40. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Minister of Health the number of posts of assistant physician (geriatrics) vacant throughout England and Wales; and in what regional hospital hoard areas do these occur.

Mr. Turton

Seven: one vacancy in the Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, South-East Metropolitan and South-Western Regional Hospital Board areas, and two in the Manchester area.

Dr. Johnson

May I reiterate my request to my right hon. Friend, namely, whether he will request the boards to make these appointments as quickly as possible and not leave them unfilled longer than they can help?

Dr. Summerskill

As both these questions deal with geriatrics, as indeed did the speech of the right hon. Gentleman during the weekend, would he again say why he is adopting this attitude in the House, whereas in the country he makes speeches which appear to be entirely contrary to his policy here?

Mr. Turton

I am indeed surprised that the right hon. Lady, who is a member of the medical profession, should ask me to interfere in the choice by boards of practitioners. It is for the boards to say whether a particular applicant is sufficiently qualified to hold the post, and it would be very wrong if I interfered.