§ 40. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health if he has read the extract from the medical Press submitted to him by the hon. Member for Carlisle, concerning the emigration of established doctors; and what conclusions he has reached.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithYes, Sir, with interest. But I already knew that there has always been some emigration of doctors, the volume varying from year to year.
§ Dr. JohnsonWhile I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for his reply, is he aware that one depends not only on things one sees in the medical Press about medical emigration, but on personal experience of acquaintances and friends as well? I have here a letter from a doctor in Australia, which I should be obliged if I could send my right hon. and learned Friend, in which the writer expresses his pleasure at being able to regain skills which he had practised in this country. Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware, in particular, that it is this loss of skill which worries many doctors in general practice, and will he keep the position very closely under observation?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI will certainly read the interesting communication which my hon. Friend says he will be good enough to send me, but in order that we may have in mind a general picture of the position, my hon. Friend will, I know, be glad to hear that in 1957, the last year for which I have complete figures, the proportion of emigrants who were doctors and dentists was the lowest recorded except for 1953.