§ 88. Mr. Liptonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will order an immediate investigation into the fitness of some doctors from abroad to be left on their own to see and treat patients.
§ Mr. CrossmanNo.
§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state the percentage of doctors from abroad who occupy posts in hospitals under the National Health Service; if he is satisfied with the standard they maintain; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CrossmanThirty-three per cent. of hospital doctors were born overseas. All these doctors have been registered by the General Medical Council, and have either qualified at medical schools approved by the council or have been approved by the council as suitable to fill specific posts suited to their skills. Most of them are in training posts and work under consultant supervision. As I have already said, the work done by the great majority of these doctors is of high quality.