§ 62. Mr. Loughlinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will institute inquiries into the delay in the hearing of complaints made against certain general practitioners practising at Coleford, Gloucestershire, and arising from the treatment of the late Mr. Gerald Green.
§ Mr. AlisonI understand that the executive council is proceeding with the complaint concerning the late Mr. Gerald Green in accordance with the governing regulations and that there has been no avoidable delay on its part.
§ 63. Mr. Loughlinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will issue to executive councils guidance about the need for speedy hearings of cases involving complaints against general practitioners once a decision has been taken to hear such cases by the Medical Services Committee.
§ Mr. AlisonExecutive councils are well aware of the need to consider complaints as quickly as possible, subject to the requirements of the governing regulations. My Department will before long be issuing revised notes of guidance to executive councils, and the hon. Member's point will be borne in mind.