§ Dr. Vaughanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to create better opportunities for women doctors to combine medical practice with their domestic commitments.
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§ Sir K. JosephMy right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales and I will shortly be introducing a new scheme to help women doctors who so wish to maintain a continuing professional link while they are bringing up their families. This scheme will make it possible for any doctor under 55 years of age, who cannot practise because of domestic commitments, but intends to resume a full medical career in the National Health Service when these commitments lighten, to do a small number of specially arranged clinical sessions and attend some postgraduate medical education sessions each year. Members of the scheme will receive an annual retainer of £50 to help cover their expenses.
The scheme, which will be known as the Women Doctor's Retainer Scheme, will come into operation on 1st September. In the meantime, hospital authorities are being provided with information about the scheme, and leaflets and application forms will be made available through them in good time before 1st September.