Mr. Mark Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the 129W Committee on the Regulation of the Medical Profession has reported; and when the report will be published.
§ Mrs. CastleThe report is being published today as a Command Paper (Cmnd 6081). The Government are grateful to the chairman, Dr. Merrison, and his colleagues for their very comprehensive report. Many of their recommendations, particularly in the field of medical education, have far-reaching implications which will need study by all those concerned. I have today written to the President of the General Medical Council in the following terms
The Government is today publishing the report of the Merrison Committee of Enquiry into the regulation of the medical profession, and I enclose a copy.I have told Dr. Merrison and his colleagues that the Government is grateful for the work they have done and I am sure that the General Medical Council will also be pleased that this full examination has now been completed and published. The Council, the profession, the educational interests and the Government will require some time to consider the report. My officials will be in touch with the Registrar and with the other appropriate bodies about arrangements for informing the Government of the considered views of all concerned.As regards arrangements for the registration of doctors from overseas wishing to practise in this country, I am of course very conscious of what the Merrison Committee describe as the immense contribution which they make to the Health Service. The Health Departments have always recognised that it is for the GMC to determine the standard of registration, and as you know supports your Council's intention shortly to introduce tests of linguistic and clinical ability.I shall look forward to receiving in due course the views of the Council".
130W
Company Date of Appointment 1. Corton Beach Holdings Ltd. … 20th April 1970 Interim report 28th July 1972. Final report being prepared. 2. Lonrho Ltd. … 19th June 1973 Enquiries in concluding stages. 3. John Willment Automobiles Ltd. … 30th May 1973 Report drafted. 4. First Re-Investment Trust Ltd. … 10th July 1973 Nelson Financial Trust Ltd. … 10th July 1973 Interim report 24th May 1974 now published Enquiries in concluding stages. English & Scottish Unit Trust Holdings Ltd. … 10th December 1973 Australian Estates Ltd. … 19th February 1974 5. Ralph Hilton Transport Services Ltd. … 10th September 1973 Enquiries in concluding stages. 6. Hartley Baird Ltd. … 21st September 1973 Considerable work remains to be done. 7. Court Line Ltd. … 23rd August 1974 A report is expected within the next few months. 8. New Brighton Association Football and Athletic Club Company Ltd. … 1st October 1974 Inspectors interviewing witnesses. 9. Burnholme & Forder Ltd. … 2nd December 1974 Inspectors interviewing witnesses. 10. Land & General Developments Ltd … 3rd December 1974 Interim report 21st February 1975. Enquiries continuing. 11. London Capital Group Ltd. … 31st December 1974 Inspectors interviewing witnesses. The Government will keep in close touch with discussions in the profession and in the light of their outcome will decide whether to introduce legislation to revise the Medical Acts.