HC Deb 11 November 1970 vol 806 cc209-11W
Mr. Crouch

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total expenditure during each of the years ended 31st March, 1965 to 31st March, 1970, inclusive, on the Regional General Medical Service.

Mr. Alison

The cost in England for the year ended 31st March, 1970 was about £1,260,000. This includes the cost of the Medical Referee Service, a large proportion of which is recovered from the National Insurance and Industrial Injuries Funds. Figures for the earlier years are not immediately available but they are being worked out and I will send them to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Crouch

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in what regions the regional medical officers operate; and how many such officers are employed in each region.

Mr. Alison

The information is as follows:

MEDICAL OFFICERS IN THE REGIONAL MEDICAL SERVICE
East Midlands Division (Nottingham, Leicester Lincoln, Sheffield) 8
Eastern Division (London, Norwich, Cambridge, Chelmsford) 8
North Eastern Division (Newcastle, Leeds) 11
North Western Division (Blackburn, Manchester, Liverpool Wigan) 9
Southern Division (Tunbridge Wells, Reading, Lewisham, Southampton, Wallington) 8
Western Division (Birmingham Bristol Worcester) 9
Headquarters 7

Mr. Crouch

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in what document or documents prepared by the Department of Social Services the duties and responsibilities of regional medical officrs are specified; and if he will arrange for copies of these documents to be placed in the Library.

Mr. Alison

There is no comprehensive document of this nature and instructions on particular aspects of the work are internal documents which it would not be appropriate to publish.

Mr. Crouch

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what particular parts of England and Wales the regional medical officers concentrate their work.

Mr. Alison

There is no such geographical concentration in England and I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales that there is none in Wales.

Mr. Crouch

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many regional medical officers are currently employed by the Department of Social Services.

Mr. Alison

There are 60 medical officers in the regional medical service, including seven at Headquarters.