HC Deb 18 July 1960 vol 627 cc18-9
21. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Health the number of full-time students entering university institutions for the first time in the faculty of medicine for the years 1954–55 and 1958–59; if he is satisfied that the current supply of newly qualified doctors is sufficient to staff the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Walker-Smith

According to my information, the number of students entering medical schools in Great Britain was about 2,100 in 1954–55 and about 1,900 in 1958–59. The Willink Committee, reporting in 1957, suggested a reduction in student intake of about 10 per cent. as soon as practicable. The Royal Commission on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration, which reported last February, expressed the view that the supply of candidates for training as doctors is reasonably close to requirements.

Mr. Pavitt

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that Professor Jewkes drew attention to the fact that this slowing down of the intake into the faculty of medicine could increase in momentum? Is he aware that, on the side of the G.P.s, a considerable amount of pressure is put upon their time by large lists and that it is desirable to reduce the large lists to the size of the national average? Will not this require more doctors and not fewer?

Mr. Walker-Smith

The question of the size of lists raises rather larger issues than are involved in this Question. Of course, I have great regard for everything that Professor Jewkes says. The hon. Member will recall that his was a Minority Report and that the Majority Report said that the supply of candidates for training as doctors was reasonably close to requirements.

Mr. Brockway

Whilst the intake may be adequate for the medical service of this country, is it not the case that there is a great need in Commonwealth countries, where, sometimes, there is only one doctor for 40,000 of the population?

Mr. Walker-Smith

Whatever may be the considerations affecting that, it clearly does not arise out of this Question, which is limited to doctors "sufficient to staff the National Health Service".