§ 87. Mr. Carmichaelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that, because of the coming into force of the Health Act, local authorities in Scotland are reducing their staffs of doctors; and if he will issue a circular making it clear to all local authorities that the new Act does not relieve them of their responsibilities for health services and that no wholesale reduction of staffs should be made.
§ Mr. WoodburnApart from the transfer of hospital and other services to the Regional Hospital Boards, I am not aware that local authorities are reducing their public health medical staff. But medical officers employed in providing general practitioner medical care under the old Poor Law are no longer required, because this has been replaced by the facilities offered to the whole population by the National Health Service.
90. Major Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the fact that a number of Outdoor Medical Service doctors in Glasgow have had their services dispensed with by the Glasgow Corporation with no assurance of further employment; and whether under the circumstances he will endeavour to find employment for these displaced doctors under the National Health scheme.
§ Mr. WoodburnI understand that, out of 23 doctors formerly employed whole time in the Outdoor Medical Service, eight have accepted other employment and two more are about to be offered posts. Of the other 13, seven have entered general practice in the city, and it is open to the remaining six to enter general practice in 89W an where there are not already sufficient doctors. Compensation can be claimed in respect of any loss of emoluments resulting from the termination of the service.