§ 35. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the shortage of doctors in the Colonial Service; and what steps he is taking to encourage young doctors from Great Britain to take appointments in the West Indies and other colonial territories.
§ Mr. ProfumoI am well aware of the constant demand for doctors in the Medical Departments of the overseas territories, which my right hon. Friend is doing his best to meet. Vacancies in the West Indies and other territories are advertised in the professional journals as they are notified. In addition, special arrangements have been made to allow applications from young doctors to enter the Colonial Service as an alternative to National Service.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWill the hon. Gentleman consider having some consultations with the teaching hospitals to see whether any kind of guarantee can be given to young men entering for temporary service that their chances of promotion in this country are not thereby spoiled?
§ Mr. ProfumoThat is something I should like to look at.
Mrs. JegerCan the hon. Gentleman bring this problem more closely before his right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, who, not long ago, received a report from a Committee which suggested that there should be a limitation on the intake of medical students because of the 888 danger of the profession becoming overcrowded? Surely, if the problem is brought before the Minister of Health, he might take a different view of the standard of medical education in this country?
§ Mr. ProfumoIn so far as it affects my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, the hon. Lady had better put a Question down to him. I should like to make it clear that there is no overlapping, and that there is the closest co-ordination between our two Departments on this important matter.