§ 54. Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Minister of Health whether he will refuse licences to deputising medical services which are owned or financially supported by drug companies.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThe granting of licences does not arise. The regulations governing the general medical services require the local executive council to decide whether a doctor may use a deputising service. The doctor may appeal to me against the Council's decision.
§ Mr. LewisIs the Minister aware that with regard to these deputising medical services there is a fear about what may he happening, that certain importers of drugs and foreign drug companies are taking an interest in these services, and that this is dangerous, for if it were to happen it would be the means by which they could sell their own drugs? Would he take such steps as he can to make sure that this does not arise?
§ Mr. RobinsonI intend to call from time to time for reports from executive councils on deputising services. The question whether any particular method of financing was against the interest of the service would depend on the circumstances. I would be prepared to consider any information on a particular case which the hon. Member would care to provide.