§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek to reduce the number of forms which general practitioners are required to complete.
§ Dr. VaughanGeneral medical practitioners are independent contractors and can only be required to complete forms if this is provided for in their statutory terms of service. These terms of service are the subject of negotiations with general practitioners' representatives from time to time, and I will carefully consider any proposals they may put forward on the matter.
§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will withdraw form RM2 in order to lighten the work load of general practitioners.
§ Dr. VaughanNo. General practitioners are required by their terms of service to provide clinical information about their patients when requested by a medical officer of the Department in connection with the payment of social security benefits. Form RM2 assists doctors in supplying this information and its use may avoid unnecessary summoning of the patient for examination at one of the Department's medical examination centres.