HC Deb 29 November 1965 vol 721 cc997-8
40. Mr. Hamling

asked the Minister of Health what is the total sum now outstanding for the ultimate settlement of all claims for medical practices compensation under Section 36 of the National Health Service Act 1946; and how many practitioners entitled to compensation are over the age of 70, between the ages of 65 and 70, and between the ages of 60 and 65, respectively.

Mr. K. Robinson

At 31st October, 1965, the total sum for Great Britain was £23.1 million. Of those entitled to compensation, 448 doctors will, at the end of this year, be aged 70 or over, 931 aged 65 to 69, and 1,644 aged 60 to 64.

Mr. Hamling

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these figures indicate that a considerable number of elderly doctors have not yet been paid this compensation; and that, in many cases, payment would mean that very straitened circumstances might be improved?

Mr. Robinson

The National Health Service Acts provide that compensation shall be paid only on retirement or death, except in such circumstances as may be prescribed. The regulations provide for advance payments on grounds of hardship, and these payments are made where the doctor makes an application and I am satisfied that the payment is justified.