§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider making the medical self-certification form SC1 available at post offices, libraries, union offices and places of work in addition to doctors' surgeries; and whether he is yet able to assess the value of such certificates.
§ Mr. RossiThe current arrangements whereby forms SC1 can be obtained from local DHSS offices, doctors' surgeries and hospitals are working satisfactorily and I have no plans to make the form available at other places. The system of self-certification has been generally well received by the public, the medical profession and employers, but officials are continuing to monitor the effects of it. The main value is in reducing unnecessary consultations with doctors.