HC Deb 08 March 1985 vol 74 cc644-5W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the outcome of the application to the National Health Service medical tribunal by the City and East London family practitioners' committee in May 1983 for the removal of a general practitioner from the National Health Service list; if he is satisfied with the operation of the tribunal timetable; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

In the particular case to which the hon. Member refers, the tribunal hearing was reconvened on 20 February 1985. The general practitioner concerned undertook to resign from the medical list of the City and East London family practitioner committee and not to apply for inclusion in the list of any other family practitioner committee. On the basis of this undertaking, the City and East London FPC requested the tribunal's leave to withdraw its representations against the general practitioner and this was granted. The general practitioner has submitted his resignation to the FPC and this will be considered in due course by the Secretary of State for Social Services.

We are satisfied with the operation of the tribunal timetable.

Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the procedure adopted by his Department on receipt of an application from a general practitioner for inclusion on the National Health Service list, who has previously resigned from that list, and who has been the subject of an undetermined case at a National Health Service medical tribunal by virtue of that resignation prior to the relevant hearing.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Where a doctor has given an undertaking to the National Health Service tribunal to resign from the medical list of a family practitioner committee and not to seek inclusion in the medical list of any other committee, and the Secretary of State has consented to the doctor's resignation, the doctor will be expected to provide the Secretary of State with evidence of his fitness to return to general practice in order to secure release from his undertaking.