HC Deb 16 April 1957 vol 568 cc1747-8
50. Mrs. L. Jeger

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet able to make a statement on the interim award to doctors and dentists.

60. Mr. Lipton

asked the Prime Minister if he will now make a further statement on the interim adjustment of pay for general practitioners in the National Health Service.

The Prime Minister

I would ask the hon. Members to await the statement which I shall be making at the end of Questions.

52. Mrs. L. Jeger

asked the Prime Minister when the Royal Commission on the remuneration of doctors and dentists started work and from whom evidence has so far been taken.

The Prime Minister

I am informed that the Royal Commission held its first meeting on 13th March, the day after I announced its appointment, and that it has already held six meetings. I understand that it has not yet received any formal evidence but has held preliminary and informal discussions with representatives of the consultants, the dental profession, the Bar, architects, chartered surveyors, accountants and different branches of the engineering profession. Representatives of the consultants and the dentists made it clear at that stage that their presence did not commit their organisations to giving evidence.

Mrs. Jeger

Is it not rather significant that in that long list of people who have already had discussions with the Commission, no mention is made of representatives of the general practitioners? What steps has the Prime Minister taken to ensure that the terms of reference of the Royal Commission are such that representatives of the B.M.A. feel able to take part in these important discussions?

The Prime Minister

Perhaps that point might be raised after the statement that I am going to make.

Mr. Woodburn

Will the Prime Minister make an announcement of an interim advance to doctors in the meantime?

The Prime Minister

I shall make a statement at the end of Questions.