§ Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that representations were first made in 1964 by local general practitioners to the Executive Council for Essex regarding the likely shortage of doctors in Benfleet, since when the population has increased substantially; what steps have since been taken by the Executive Council to meet this situation; and what action he has taken in regard to the recent representations made to him on the subject by the hon. Member for South-East Essex.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonYes. The Executive Council and the Local Medical Committee have had the problem under continuous review and are to discuss it with the local doctors on 22nd March. They have advertised three times for a new doctor and expect to interview on 4th April applicants who replied to the latest advertisement. I am asking the Council to keep me informed of developments.