HC Deb 31 July 1961 vol 645 cc915-6
19. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Health how many local executive councils have set up special sub-committees for the purpose of giving assent to the employment of assistants by general practitioners, and reviewing assistantship arrangements.

Mr. Powell

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Pavitt

Is the Minister aware that when one case of exploitation occurs it damages the whole system of assistantships? Will he have sub-committees appointed to ensure that this system is not abused?

Mr. Powell

I attach importance to this matter and to a regular review of assistantship arrangements, but I am not satisfied that in every case it would necessarily be right for a sub-committee to be appointed.

Mr. K. Robinson

As the Minister agrees that this is important, and as it is a matter which gives rise to a certain amount of concern, may I ask whether he has brought the attention of the local executive councils to the problem and asked them to deal with it in this way or in some other way?

Mr. Powell

I have in preparation an approach to the executive councils on this matter, but its details are still under discussion with the profession.