HC Deb 20 April 1978 vol 948 cc852-3

Amendment made: No. 44, in page 56, line 24, column 3, at end insert— 'Section 15(4) and (5).'.—[Mr. Moyle.]

Motion made, and Question proposed. That the Bill be now read the Third time.

11.34 p.m.

Dr. Vaughan

This is an important and satisfactory moment for the GMC and for doctors generally in this country because the Bill deals with their future conduct and the whole process of registration.

I congratulate the Government on having brought the Bill before us in the way they did. As my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Hodgson) said, the Bill is much more substantial than when it went to another place and it is important to mention what a valuable contribution noble Lords, particularly Lord Hunt, have made to the Bill. I should also like to comment on the considerable help given by the BMA and the professional bodies generally. I hope that the Government will give the Opposition credit for help they have given to get the Bill on the statute book so rapidly.

11.35 p.m.

Mr. Beith

We have given the General Medical Council a new basis of independence to carry out a wide range of new functions. We have also thought it right to give it some advice. We have given it advice to keep a rein on its spending and to realise that its own advice is not written on tablets of stone and never should be. We have reminded it that it must recognise that it holds a doctor's reputation in its hands when it considers his case before a disciplinary committee, if it does so in public. I hope that we shall all wish it well in its important work on behalf of both doctors and the public.

11.36 p.m.

Mr. Moyle

I respond to the words of the hon. Member for Reading, South (Dr. Vaughan) and record my appreciation of the Opposition's co-operation in getting the Bill through the House. I think that the Bill has been improved as a result of our proceedings. We cannot pronounce a final blessing on it as it has to return to another place before it receives Royal Assent. However, we have concluded our part in considering the Bill. I hope that it will provide a suitable framework for the profession for many years to come. I look forward to seeing the profession working under the Bill's provisions, conscious that we have all played a small part in getting its provisions accepted.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed, with amendments.