HC Deb 27 January 1942 vol 377 cc571-3W
Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health when the new scale of fees, referred to in Circular 2536, for sessional attendances at first-aid posts and mobile first-aid units, agreed between his Department and the Central Medical War Committee, was considered by the Central Medical War Committee; the names of the members of the committee and of the Government observers in attendance when the scale was considered; and what information was before the committee at the time?

Mr. E. Brown

As regards the first part of the Question, I am informed that the scale of fees referred to was considered, not by the Central Medical War Committee, but by a Sub-Committee appointed by that Committee for the purpose of conducting negotiations on the matter with representatives of my Department. The remaining parts of the Question therefore do not arise.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health the steps taken by his Department to ensure effective co-operation between the medical services in respect to the duties which they will be called upon to perform in case of invasion?

Mr. Brown

With a view to securing this co-operation, close liaison is maintained between medical officers of the Service Departments and my Department both at headquarters and in the regions.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health the steps taken by his Department to inform medical practitioners of the scheme by which, in emergency, the local medical officer of health may requisition their services for such work as he deems urgent; and whether such calls will necessarily take precedence of urgent duties of which such medical officers of health may be unaware?

Mr. Brown

I am advised that the arrangements under which the medical officers of health of scheme-making authorities may call on doctors who are available to reinforce the hospital and first aid post services and for other emergency duties are generally known amongst the profession locally, and that those selected in advance for certain duties are duly informed. The lists of available doctors are compiled in consultation with local medical war committees, who are aware of the official commitments of the doctors, and therefore the last part of the Question should not arise. If, however, my hon. Friend is referring in the last part of the Question to the needs of private patients, the position is that the Medical Officer of Health would not call on a doctor to assist in the services under his control if the doctor were actually engaged at the time on urgent private work.

Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to ensure that, in case of invasion, medical practitioners are not required by the civil authorities to remain idle awaiting problematical calls to serve with mobile first-aid units, when their services may be urgently needed at other places?

Mr. Brown

If my hon. Friend is referring to the arrangements for calling upon practitioners not already attached to the Civil Defence services to serve with mobile first aid units in an emergency, I would point out that these arrangements only apply to such practitioners as are available at the time and that it is clearly laid down in the instructions that practitioners are not to be called upon unless there is a real and urgent need for their services, in order to avoid the danger of diverting them from other work where the need may be still greater. If my hon. Friend is referring to practitioners attached to mobile first aid units but not immediately required for duty with those units, it is within the discretion of the medical officer of health in charge to make use of their services in another capacity or to release them temporarily for other duties.