§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health what sums have been paid to the British Medical Association for keeping a register of practitioners compiled for emergency purposes; and what number of practitioners is available at any moment for immediate transfer to any area in which their services may be needed in emergency?
§ Mr. ElliotThe information asked for in the first part of the Question was given in my reply to the hon. Member on 6th February. The number asked for in the second part is continually fluctuating owing to changes in the practitioners' circumstances, and I do not feel justified in calling for a special count of the register.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health who nominated or elected the four general practitioners who serve as such on the Central Medical War Committee?
§ Mr. ElliotAs shown in the statement circulated with my reply to a Question by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Ashford (Mr. Spens) on 26th October last, the four general practitioners to whom I presume the hon. Member refers were appointed by the British Medical Association on a territorial basis. There is, of course, a number of other general practitioners on the committee.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health whether the sum of 16s., agreed upon by him for the treatment of air-raid casualties, will be increased for the benefit of country practitioners who will have heavy travelling expenses in connection with such cases?
§ Mr. ElliotI have this matter under review and am prepared to consider an appropriate addition to the fee, if it appears in the light of experience that an abnormal amount of travelling is required in certain areas.