§ Q4. Mr. Pavittasked the Prime Minister when he expects to announce the names of the review body recommended by the Pilkington Commission to advise on doctors' remuneration; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterIt may be some little time yet before I can announce the composition of this body.
§ Mr. PavittDoes the Prime Minister recall that the Pilkington Commission reported over a year and a half ago and the Government accepted its Report over a year ago? Does he further recall that when the Government had a head-on collision with the medical profession in 1956 and he had to intervene it was caused by similar dilatory action after the result of the Danckwerts award in 1951? Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that quick action is taken to avoid a similar position arising?
§ The Prime MinisterI hope that we shall be able to make progress. I must remind the hon. Member that the Pilkington Commission envisaged that the review body would go into action at relatively infrequent intervals, three years being mentioned as a minimum.
§ Dame Irene WardWhile my right hon. Friend is considering the matter will he bear in mind that people supplementary to the medical profession are also in a difficult position and that all the Government's attention should not 602 be paid merely to the medical profession but to all those who serve the interests of the National Health Service? Could he say something about seeing that their position is also looked at independently by a review committee?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, but this question arises from the Pilkington Commission. I should like to make further inquiry before dealing with a wider matter.
§ Mr. GaitskellWill the Prime Minister tell us whether doctors' remuneration is or is not affected by the wages and salaries freeze in the public sector which has been announced? If not, what is the reason for drawing a distinction between doctors and teachers?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is because it was envisaged that the review body would not go into action again except at infrequent intervals, three years being the minimum.
§ Mr. GaitskellWill the Prime Minister answer the question? Are we to understand that distinctions are to be drawn between different professions in this way according to what is more or less an historical accident? Will he at least consider appointing a Commission to look into the question of teachers' remuneration so that satisfactory recruitment can be obtained?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is a rather different question. I have been asked what action we are taking under the Pilkington recommendations. I am sorry that we have not succeeded in getting an agreement on the body, but I have pointed out that, as it was not expected to go into action again for a considerable period, we should be able to complete the body in good time.