§ Q4. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Prime Minister if he will revise the terms of reference of the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration so as to limit their advice to levels of remuneration, thus leaving changes in methods of remuneration for discussion between the Minister of Health and representatives of the professions.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. My right hon. Friends discuss methods of remuneration with the professions where appropriate, but I think that it would be unreasonable to exclude this matter from the terms of reference of the Review Body.
§ Mr. RobinsonDoes not the Prime Minister appreciate that changes in methods of remuneration can profoundly affect the service to patients; and that decisions on these matters are essentially political decisions that ought to be taken by the Minister of Health and the Government? Does not the 1090 right hon. Gentleman consider that to leave the decision to a committee of independent businessmen is an abdication of responsibility by his Government?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I do not think so. I think that the reason the hon. Gentleman has given reinforces my Answer. All I say is that because these matters can have very significant financial results they should not be excluded from this general review.