HC Deb 09 December 1957 vol 579 cc897-8
40. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement on the Report of the Willink Committee on Medical Manpower.

Mr. Walker-Smith

The Report is under consideration by the Government.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will the right hon. Gentleman at least bear in mind that it is extremely important to have the recommendations of the Royal Commission on doctors' pay before any action is taken, in view of the great need to ensure that there is a fully adequate and developing service for patients and that the Royal Commission might very well make recommendations on this matter?

Mr. Walker-Smith

The action at present being taken on the Report is to bring it to the attention of the University Grants Committee and of the universities. That, I think the hon. Member will agree, should in any event be done. I will bear in mind what he says in the general context of the timetable of the Royal Commission.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Does that answer mean that the right hon. Gentleman is recommending the universities to take action on the basis of this Report? That is a serious matter and affects the whole future development of the Health Service.

Mr. Walker-Smith

No, Sir. What it means is that the Report is being brought to their attention so that they may study it and its possible implications.