§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Health whether the committee presided over by the right hon. Member for Midlothian and Peebles (Mr. Colville) has reported on the provincial arrangements for the Emergency Medical Service; and, if so, whether he can make a statement on the subject, particularly regarding that committee's report on conditions in London?
Mr. M. MacDonaldAs I stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Reading (Dr. Howitt) on 18th July, the right hon. Member for Midlothian and Peebles (Mr. Colville) and his colleagues have reported on the provincial arrangements and recommended certain administrative changes which I have adopted. These changes consist mainly in devolving more authority upon my senior regional officers, who will work in closer collaboration than hitherto with the hospital officers in each region, and will be able if necessary to give formal directions to the hospital authorities. Another change has been a closer liaison, both centrally and locally, with the medical branches of the Services and the formulation of plans for common action in certain contingencies. As to London, Lord Chatfield (who succeeded my right hon. Friend the Member for Midlothian and Peebles on the commission) and the other members of the commission have reported to me verbally this week and recommended certain changes in the administrative organisation and in the arrangements for first-aid posts, which I am now considering with my advisers.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is a feeling of disquiet amongst general medical practitioners at the absence, or ineffectual nature, of instructions given by many medical officers of health as regards first-aid posts and work generally in connection with air-raid precautions, and at the fact that so many doctors have no steel helmets, anti-gas clothing, or service respirators; and, in view of this, will he consider immediately revising the whole scheme as regards the medical services in each district with a view to 1412W securing the co-operation of all general medical practitioners?
Mr. MacDonaldI have no evidence of general dissatisfaction among the medical profession such as is suggested in the first part of the Question. I am, however, constantly keeping the scheme under review and will not hesitate to make any changes that prove to be desirable.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health what is the precise scheme prepared by his Department for dealing with the medical practitioners in evacuation areas who are now deemed surplus to requirements in such areas and whose practices have wholly or largely disappeared by reason of the evacuation; and will arrangements be made for the utilisation of the services of such doctors in reception areas?
Mr. MacDonaldIf the hon. Member has in mind certain coastal areas I would refer him to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth (Sir A. Harbord) on 4th July. I will send him a copy of the circular referred to in that reply. For the rest, the transfer of surplus doctors from evacuation areas to reception areas where their services are needed is arranged by the Central Medical War Committee which acts as a clearing house in this matter.