§ 38. Mr. A. Robertsasked the Minister of Health how many junior medical posts in the hospitals of the United Kingdom are filled by doctors from the Commonwealth.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI regret that the information is not available
§ Mr. RobertsIs the Minister aware that there is an acute shortage of senior medical staff in our hospitals in the north of England? Is he further aware that if it were not for these students from the Commonwealth our hospital services would break down?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithWe derive much benefit from the presence of these Commonwealth doctors amongst us, most of whom are engaged in post-graduate training but incidentally make a valuable contribution. Junior medical staffs have increased in number by a little over 26 per cent. since 1951 and, as the hon. Member knows, I have set up a working party to look into medical staffing structure in the hospital services, and the party is hard at work.
§ Mr. RobertsWill the Minister pay particular attention to hospitals in the West Riding with emphasis on the General Hospital in Wakefield, where I understand the position is parlous indeed?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI will certainly take account of the position of this hospital, together with that of others.