HC Deb 23 November 1964 vol 702 cc882-3
7. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Minister of Health whether he will review the arrangements for the remuneration of general practitioners attending casualties at cottage hospitals.

Sir B. Stross

My right hon. Friend is considering what might be done when the amount of casualty work at individual cottage hospitals is exceptionally heavy.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that, in places where there is a seasonal influx of visitors, such as in my constituency in North Cornwall, the doctors have a grossly inflated number of casualties to deal with in the summer months and that their remuneration is based on the number of ordinary people they deal with in the area in the winter months? This is grossly unfair. Will the hon. Gentleman do something about it?

Sir B. Stross

It is particularly in places like Cornwall, Devon and Dorset that the amount of work is very heavy in the summer due to the influx of visitors. In these cases, general practitioners have asked for additional payments for the extra work involved. This is being looked at now.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

When will the hon. Gentleman be able to give an answer?

Sir B. Stross

I cannot tell the hon. Member the exact date.