HC Deb 20 March 1967 vol 743 c1043
17. Mr. Worsley

asked the Minister of Health what plans he has for amending Part 3 of the Medical Act, 1956, to facilitate the registering of European doctors in this country in accordance with Article 57 of the Treaty of Rome.

Mr. K. Robinson

This would be considered as part of the wider legislation that would be needed if we entered the Common Market.

Mr. Worsley

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a real necessity to study these matters in advance of an application to join? Is he further aware that the failure of Government Departments apparently to understand the implications of joining the Treaty causes some doubt to be cast on the good intentions of the Government as a whole?

Mr. Robinson

Since the premise of the hon. Member's question cannot be substantiated, the conclusion falls to the ground. I assure him that great study has been made in my Department of all the implications for the service which would follow joining the Common Market. Certainly the General Medical Council and the medical profession would be consulted before the Government reached any decision on ways and means.

Mr. Edelman

Is it not the case that the Council of Europe has for a long time been considering the question of equivalence of degrees? In these circumstances, will my right hon. Friend communicate with the Council of Europe to see what progress has been made?

Mr. Robinson

I will consider my hon. Friend's question if that has not already been done.