§ 6. Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of Her Majesty's Government's acceptance of the provisions of the Treaty of Rome relating to free movement of labour he will discuss with the General Medical Council or other appropriate body the amendment of those rules which prescribe the necessary qualifications for the practice of medicine within the United Kingdom.
§ Sir K. JosephI assume the hon. Member has in mind the arrangements for registration of doctors. It is as yet premature to formulate amendments to these but we are in touch with the General Medical Council on the subject.
§ Mr. DeakinsCan the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that in the event of Britain joining the Common Market the standards of medical practice in this country required of foreign 1057 doctors who will be allowed to practise here, in both independent and general practice, will be at least the equivalent of those required of United Kingdom doctors?
§ Sir K. JosephThe purpose of the discussions going on in Common Market countries is to unify registration qualifications. We shall be watching those discussions carefully in order to protect the national interest.