HC Deb 19 October 1939 vol 352 cc1056-7W
Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the increasing dissatisfaction among members of the medical profession with the personnel of the medical boards for the examination of recruits; and what representations he has received on this matter from any medical organisation?

Mr. E. Brown

I am not aware that there is any general dissatisfaction among members of the medical profession with the personnel of medical boards. I received representations last August from the Medical Practitioners' Union, but with regard to the method of selecting this personnel I am not satisfied that any change is necessary.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Labour, why in Surrey two medical men are receiving £1,000 per year for examination of recruits for the forces, whereas in the same area other available doctors are denied the opportunity of acting for such boards; and whether he will inquire into this matter with a view to eliminating dissatisfaction with these boards?

Mr. E. Brown

There are five Medical Boards in Surrey, members of which are drawn from panels consisting, in all, of over 70 practitioners, and I do not think that any increase in this number is necessary. Payment is made not at a fixed annual rate but by fees according to the number of sessions attended. I will inquire into the distribution of the work among the members of the panels, but I may say that I am not aware of any dissatisfaction in this matter.