HC Deb 07 December 1959 vol 615 cc11-2
20. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Health how many health centres have been opened under Section 21 of the National Health Service Act; and what is the total number of general practitioners working in these health centres.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Edith Pitt)

So far, ten new health centres have been provided under this section; 92 general practitioners are working in these centres.

Mr. Pavitt

Can the Minister tell us how many of these health centres are being used merely as branch surgeries, apart from a practitioner's practice actually conducted outside the centre, and, further, will she consider making a survey of how these centres have worked during the operation of the National Health Service Act?

Miss Pitt

I do not know how many of the general practitioners use the centres as their sole or main base, but many, in fact, do not; they still continue to use their own surgeries.

Dr. Summerskill

Since there have been only ten centres provided in ten years, could the hon. Lady say whether the attitude of the British Medical Association towards the provision of health centres has made local authorities reluctant to provide them and the doctors to rent rooms in them?

Miss Pitt

I know of no representations made by the B.M.A. Health centres, of course, are still on an experimental basis, and, so far as I am aware, and from my own personal experience. it lies with the general practitioners in an area to say whether they want a health centre and are willing to operate it.

Dr. Summerskill

Does the hon. Lady realise that it has been suggested by the British Medical Association to medical practitioners that it is not desirable to support health centres?

Miss Pitt

I am surprised to hear that. I will inform myself on the point. There are, in fact, ten health centres, four more are being provided, and four further centres have been approved, so we are progressing in the provision of health centres.