HC Deb 26 March 1957 vol 567 cc943-4
5. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will inquire into the prevalence of the cloistering-emolument system of service which exists in State hospitals in Scotland today, and indicate what steps he proposes to take to bring about its termination.

Mr. J. N. Browne

My right hon. Friend assumes that the hon. Member is referring to the fact that some doctors are required to live in hospital premises where it is necessary that doctors should always be available. He has no evidence of dissatisfaction with this practice.

Mr. Rankin

I assumed that the Minister had evidence that it existed so widely amongst the institutional section of the staff that when they became organised in trade unions it was promptly stopped, and now remains only amongst the medical section. Does he agree with the principle that employers have the right to claim emoluments from cloistered staff who are cloistered for the purpose of carrying out their duties?

Mr. Browne

That is really a different question. No responsible group in the hospital service has objected to the present practice. I shall be glad to look into any case which the hon. Member has in mind.

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order. If the hon. Member reads the Scotsman of 22nd February——

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is not a point of order.