Public Health Medical Officers

HC Deb 01 May 1967 vol 746 cc72-3

30. Mr. Braine

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to remedy the shortage of public health medical officers.

Mr. K. Robinson

There is a shortage of doctors generally, but it appears that local health authorities are recruiting a reasonable proportion of the doctors available. Steps are being taken to increase the intake of medical schools.

Mr. Braine

Surely the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the Mallaby Committee considered that not only was there a shortage in the public health medical service but that it was made worse because doctors in it are at a disadvantage over remuneration compared with general practitioners and hospital doctors? It there not a strong case for setting up an independent inquiry into the remuneration and terms of service of those doctors?

Mr. Robinson

No, Sir. I am consulting the local authority associations about the recommendations in the Mallaby Report, but I would not think that the figures bear out what the hon. Gentleman said. Between May, 1962, and 1966, local authorities recruited about 12 per cent. of those doctors becoming available, although they employ only about 4 per cent. of the total active medical population. Therefore, they have been getting more than their share.

Mr. Braine

Is not the Minister making light of this? Is he not aware of the very deep resentment felt among public medical officers that their remuneration and terms of service are not being regarded with any degree of urgency? These doctors are essential to the National Health Service, so why cannot they be treated in the same way as other doctors?

Mr. Robinson

The hon. Gentleman knows as well as any hon. Member that it has been maintained successfully on several occasions before the Industrial Court that the salaries of medical officers of health are related to the salaries of other chief officers of local authorities. A report on those salaries is expected from the National Board for Prices and Incomes in the summer, and I am satisfied that it is right for the management side of the Whitley Council to await it before making an offer.