§ 2. Mrs. L. Jegerasked the Minister of Health why the identity of consultants who receive merit awards is kept secret; and whether he will consider the abolition of the present system.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe balance of advantage is against the general publication of the identity of the consultants in question. In regard to the second part of the Question, the Government's views on the merit award system itself have been given in evidence submitted to the Royal Commission on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration and it would be more appropriate if I defer further comment until the Royal Commission's Report is received.