§ 64 and 65. Mr. Woofasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he is aware that from 22nd August, 1968, 181W Ryton Urban District Council have several times made representations to Durham Executive Council of the National Health Service about the operation of the Emergency Medical Treatment Service throughout the administrative area; and if he will investigate this matter and instruct the Durham Executive Council to make arrangements for cooperation in the interests of the general public within Ryton Urban District;
(2) if he is aware that constituents within Ryton Urban District have drawn up a petition to his Department about the inadequate service rendered by the panel group of doctors within the administrative area, involving absence from duty, and about the unsatisfactory operation of the Emergency Medical Treatment Service, involving delays by doctors responding to telephone calls on urgent cases; what reply has been sent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SnowI am aware of these representations and understand that the Durham Executive Council have replied to points raised by the urban district council, to whom the petition was addressed. My right hon. Friend has no power to intervene in decisions by executive councils to grant family doctors consent to use a deputising service, but he considers that in the circumstances of this case the executive council's decision was reasonable.