§ 19. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Health if there was any over-distribution to general practitioners from the central pool last year; what effect this will have on the recent pay award; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. J. Enoch Powell)Last year's central pool has not yet been settled. It will not affect the award.
§ Mr. PavittIs it not time that the whole question of the central pool was looked at as the basis for payment of general practitioners? Is it not a fact that during the period under review, a large number of polio jabs have been given by general practitioners for which, possibly, something like £1 million may need to be deducted from the central pool? Is it not anomalous that doctors should receive money from the local authorities, on the one hand and then have it deducted from the central pool on the other hand?
§ Mr. PowellThe question of remuneration has been considered as recently as in 1960 by a Royal Commission and again by the Review Body last year.