§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, as the result of his action in enrolling for full-time service nearly all the medical staffs of the voluntary hospitals in London at salaries which in most cases will hardly defray their house-rent, rates and taxes, he has subjected a large number of the most distinguished members of the medical profession to acute financial stress, inasmuch as they have been 559W suddenly prevented from earning any income from private practice, but are unable to relinquish as suddenly their heavy commitments based on their previous earnings; and if he will consider making some legislative provision such as a moratorium in the payment of rent, rates and taxes in the case of consultants thus called up for National Service?
§ Mr. ElliotRecruitment to the Emergency Medical Service is on a voluntary basis. Salaries and conditions for this service were fixed in consultation with representatives of the medical profession. As I have already said, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Abingdon, arrangements have been made under which doctors serving in the Emergency Medical Service can either go on indefinite leave, subject to recall if required, or, with certain exceptions, transfer from full-time to part-time service. I think the hon. Member will agree that these arrangements should enable the practitioners to whom he refers to continue private practice. I regret that I am unable to accept the suggestion in the last part of the question.