§ 33. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Health if he will hold discussions with the medical profession with a view to establishing as the proper channel for negotiations about general practice within the National Health Service an autonomous general medical services committee, acting as the executive committee of the Conference of Local Medical Committees and answerable only to that body.
§ Mr. BarberNo, Sir. There is no reason for me to interfere with the arrangements made by the profession.
§ Mr. PavittSince this Question was tabled, the point has been confirmed by the resignation of the chairman of the General Medical Services Committee. Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that three organisations now seek to represent general practitioners? In these circumstances, is it not the Minister's duty to seek to discuss with the profession ways and means whereby G.P.s can have a democratic structure for discussions on their remuneration and conditions of service?
§ Mr. BarberI have looked at this matter seriously in the light of the hon. Gentleman's Question, and I am satis- 30 fied that there is nothing wrong with the situation. Of course, in that situation, I am not responsible for who is elected.