§ 35. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will satisfy himself that the Proclamation bringing into effect Section 27 of the Hong Kong 25 Medical Registration Act, 1957, will not be issued until it is certain that no existing free clinics will be closed or that any of them will require to hold fewer sessions than they do now as the result of the Proclamation.
§ Mr. ProfumoAs said in my reply to the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, East (Mr. Blenkinsop) on 6th June, this matter is one primarily for the Hong Kong Government. I understand that the Governor is examining the possibility of making arrangements to enable unregistered doctors in Hong Kong to qualify for registration. and I am satisfied that the Governor will not bring Clause 27 of the Bill into operation until the number of registered doctors is sufficient for the people's needs.
§ Mr. RankinWhile accepting that and thanking the Under-Secretary for his Answer so far, may I ask him to give me the assurance that the work of the free clinics will not be impaired by the operation of Clause 27 of the Medical Registration Bill?
§ Mr. ProfumoIt is only reasonable to eliminate those clinics whose standards are so low that they do not safeguard the health of the people who use them.