§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what estimate has been made by her Department of the effect on the National Health Service of the free movement of doctors within the Common Market by the end of this year; and if she will make a statement;
(2) if she will make arrangements designed to ensure that the number of part-time sessions spent by consultants and specialists within the National 502W Health Service is not diminished consequent upon the free movement of doctors within the Common Market at the end of this year.
§ Dr. OwenThe free movement of doctors would depend on directives for the recognition of qualifications which the EEC Council is required to issue under Article 57 of the Treaty of Rome. Draft directives prepared by the EEC Commission are being discussed by member States but decisions have not yet been taken as to their content or date of introduction. No firm estimate can be made of the possible effects on the National Health Service but, initially at least, these are not likely to be great and no special arrangements about part-time consultant sessions are proposed.