§ 4. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health what evidence was given by his Department to the Disciplinary Committee of the General Medical Council, at their request, in the recent proceedings against three doctors involving alleged misuse of prescription powers under the National Health Service.
§ Mr. PowellDetails of investigations by two executive councils and of my decisions thereon.
§ Dr. JohnsonDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that this case has set a new precedent for the activities of the Disciplinary Committee of the General Medical Council? Will he assure the House that the General Medical Council is not being made the "handmaiden" of his Ministry?
§ Mr. PowellOn the contrary. I and my predecessors have accepted the responsibility of bringing to the attention of the General Medical Council any cases which come up through the disciplinary 561 machinery and, prima facie,appear to merit the attention of the Council, and I think that is right.