§ Mr. Michael McGuireasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has caused the delay in reaching a decision on the current dispute at the Digmoor Health Centre, Skelmersdale.
§ Dr. OwenI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the representations made by the Lancashire Family Practitioner Commmittee in relation to one of the doctors practising at the Health Centre that his continued inclusion in any list of doctors undertaking to provide general medical services would be prejudicial to the efficiency of those services. The sequence of events has been as follows:
19th December 1974.—The Lancashire FPC decided to make representations to the Tribunal.
31st December 1974.—The Clerk to the Tribunal gave notice to the doctor of the Tribunal's intention to hold an inquiry.
21st February 1975.—The FPC submitted a detailed statement of complaint to the Tribunal.
25th February 1975.—The Clerk to the Tribunal sent the statement of the complaint and a list of documents to the doctor.
9th April 1975.—The Clerk to the Tribunal received from the doctor a request for further and better particulars.
6th and 12th May 1975.—Having obtained these particulars from the FPC's solicitors, the Clerk to the Tribunal sent them to the doctor.
20th August 1975.—After consultation with the parties, the Clerk to the Tribunal issued formal notices of the time, date and place of the hearing.
17th to 19th September 1975.—The hearing was held in Liverpool.
27th October 1975.—The Tribunal issued its report.
767W7th November 1975.—The doctor appealed to the Secretary of State against the Tribunal's direction.
Arrangements are now in train for an oral hearing of the appeal, as required by the National Health Service (Service Committees and Tribunal) Regulations 1974, by a person appointed by the Secretary of State. Subject to service of the required notices the appeal is to be heard on 7th to 9th January 1976. I cannot at this stage comment on the proceedings but, as I have already informed my hon. Friend, the FPC has taken all possible steps to ensure that the necessary treatment is being provided for patients.