§ 53. Mr. E. Johnsonasked the Minister of Transport if he will make regulations to facilitate parking of cars by doctors when visiting their patients in parking-meter zones.
§ Mr. MarplesThe installation of parking meters has the effect, amongst others, of making visits in the area easier. I should not consider myself justified, in the circumstances, in creating 1082 such special privileges as my hon. Friend suggests, even for members of the medical profession.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is virtually impossible for doctors to make use of metered spaces because they are already full? Will he not consider the possibility of making regulations for doctors when visiting patients, on the same lines as those for commercial vehicles? If not, what advice will he give to doctors as to the best way to make their rounds?
§ Mr. MarplesThe British Medical Association has a scheme, which has been negotiated with it, which helps a great deal, but it must be remembered that doctors are not always visiting somebody in an emergency; there are many normal visits. It would be extremely difficult in practice to have a special privileged category of persons.