HC Deb 14 May 1962 vol 659 c907
6. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Health, why he has requested local executive councils to secure less publicity for doctors guilty of a breach of their terms of service.

Mr. Powell

I have not done so.

Mr. Lipton

Has not the right hon. Gentleman issued a circular reminding local executive councils that names and other means of identification must never be given? Is he not trying to give more protection to guilty doctors, because there is no law that makes it illegal for the Press to publish names? Would it not be better to provide more protection for the public and less protection for the guilty doctors, some of whom have appeared five or six times before local executive councils?

Mr. Powell

The hon. Gentleman, by using the word "reminding", has put the matter in the right light. There has been no change in this respect.

Mr. K. Robinson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his statement has given rise to certain misgivings? What we are concerned about is that doctors and dentists who are guilty of serious professional negligence should have their cases reported by the right hon. Gentleman to the General Medical Council and General Dental Council. Can he assure the House that he is doing that and can he say how many cases have been reported during the last twelve months?

Mr. Powell

I can give that assurance and I have informed the House to that effect. I cannot give the exact number, but it is a very considerable proportion of the total number of cases.

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