§ 11 and 12. Mr. Greyasked the Minister of Health (1) if he has now completed his review on the medical manpower position in this country; and if he will make a statement; and
(2) what proposals he now has to remedy the shortage of doctors in this country.
§ Mr. BarberIn the light of the most recent information, at least one new medical school will be planned to meet the need and the possibilities of further expansion of existing medical schools are being examined.
§ Mr. GreyIs the Minister aware that this country is so short of doctors that we depend on 3,760 students from abroad to fill the vacancies? Does not this indicate that there should be more medical schools? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we in the North-East feel the shortage of doctors because we cannot get people to come to the North-East? Would it not be better to train them there and to have a medical school in that area?
§ Mr. BarberNo decision has yet been taken about the allocation of the new medical school, but I have always accepted that there is a shortage of doctors both in the hospital service and in general practice. However, I think that one should bear in mind that a considerable amount has been done. In 1953, the number of hospital doctors of all grades in Great Britain was 16,000. By 1962, it had risen to 20,000, an increase of 25 per cent. Between 1952 and 1963, while the civilian population increased by 8 per cent., the number of general practitioners went up by about 18 per cent. However, I agree that there is much more to be done.