§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the criterion of population used to decide whether an area should be served by a doctor, and how this applies at present in the area of Hutton, Brentwood, Essex.
§ Mr. AlisonThe Medical Practices Committee can refuse to authorise a doctor to take up practice in an area where the number of doctors is already sufficient; but there is no power to direct a doctor to practice in any particular area.
In the area of Hutton, Brentwood there were five doctors until last June, when a a partnership of two resigned. The remaining partnership has since taken a fourth partner, and I understand that the Medical Practices Committee and the Executive Council are satisfied that the area is adequately served.