HC Deb 06 February 1940 vol 357 cc48-9W
Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health which committee is responsible for maintaining an up-to-date register of available doctors; the names of the members of such committee; and the occasions on which it has met?

Mr. Elliot

The committee responsible is the Central Medical War Committee. The names of the members were circulated with my reply to a Question by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Ashford (Mr. Spens) on 26th October, and the number of occasions on which it has met was stated in reply to the hon. Member's Question on 7th November, since, when it has met once and its executive committee three times. Steps are taken by circular and otherwise to keep the register up to date.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health why medical practitioners required as applicants for certain administrative posts, as advertised by the Central Medical War Committee, must be between 35 and 45 years of age, as this is a particularly good age period for active professional service as distinct from administrative work with the armed forces?

Mr. Elliot

I take it that the hon. Member has in mind a recent announcement regarding medical officers required by the Ministry of Pensions, and, if so, I must refer him to my hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health the precise amount paid to the British Medical Association, whether for out-of-pocket expenses or otherwise, over the past two years; how the sum stated to be for out-of-pocket expenses is made up; whether it includes anything for office accommodation; for salaries, wages or emoluments of any member, permanent or temporary, of the staff of the association and, if so, whether any person in respect of whom such contribution is made is actively carrying on other work for the association, including propaganda for members; for office overhead expenses not being actual office accommodation or staff; and for any committee of the association, including the Central Medical War Committee and the Central Emergency Committee?

Mr. Elliot

The figure for which the hon. Member asks is £2,112 7s. 9d., made up of £1,204 0s 0½d. for the remuneration of clerical staff engaged solely on the maintenance and use of the Emergency Register, £543 10s. 0½d. for postages, and £364 17s. 8d. for printing and stationery.