§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health by whom, and when, was the proposal made to, and approved by, him for the payment of 15s. an hour for the services of doctors conducting medical examinations at the time of evacuation; whether the time is calculated from arrival at the place of examination or from the time the practitioner leaves his house or surgery to attend at such place; and what procedure is adopted to ensure that the appointment of doctors willing to undertake such work is not limited to members of the British Medical Association?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe doctors in question have been obtained at the request of the London County Council through the Central Medical War Committee. The rate of payment was recently approved by my Department after discussion with the London County Council. The payment made is in respect of time spent at the school or assembly point. I understand that every general practitioner in London over the age of 35 without another national commitment was given an opportunity of applying. The applications were forwarded to the London County Council, and membership or otherwise of the British Medical Association was not a consideration.