HC Deb 26 February 1957 vol 565 cc1040-1
48. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Prime Minister whether the terms of reference of the Royal Commission on doctors' remuneration will include an examination of the method, as well as the amount, of remuneration.

55. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to announce the names of the members of the Royal Commission to inquire into doctors' remuneration.

The Prime Minister

The terms of reference are under consideration. I intend to announce them and the names of the Chairman and members of the Royal Commission as soon as possible.

Dr. Johnson

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he will extend the terms of reference of the Royal Commission to include the examination of the method of payment by capitation fee, which has not always been satisfactory either to doctor or patient, and the substitution of another method of payment according to the nature of the service rendered to the individual?

The Prime Minister

I will consider that. We have not yet decided on the terms of reference, but I will be glad to consider what my hon. Friend has said.

Mr. Hughes

Has the Prime Minister realised that the Daily Telegraph has described the attitude of the Government as "shabby and short-sighted," and does he think that he can treat the doctors as he is going to treat the old-age pensioners?

The Prime Minister

I think that the Daily Telegraph seemed to understand very well in an admirable leader the problems which confront us.

Mr. Gaitskell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is widespread anxiety that the Royal Commission will take a very long time before reaching its conclusions and that while there may be a case for reviewing the whole question of the method of payments to doctors, there is also a case surely of coming to sonic interim settlement upon their claims?

The Prime Minister

If the right hon. Gentleman had read the letter that I wrote, which was published this morning, he would have seen that that was exactly the point I made.

Mr. Gaitskell

The Prime Minister said nothing in that letter as to exactly how this interim settlement was to be arrived at. Is it to be left to the Royal Commission, or are the Government prepared to do their duty and reach an agreement?

The Prime Minister

I have nothing to add to the letter I wrote, which I think was explicit, clear and helpful.