§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to minimise the shortage of doctors in Scotland resulting from the British Medical Association decision to strike doctors off the register for non-payment of fees; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellThe maintenance of the Medical Register is a matter for the General Medical Council and not for the British Medical Association. Discussions which have some relevance to the non-payment of fees have been taking place between the council and the association. The outcome should be known soon and I shall then decide what further action, if any, is required.
§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to safeguard the staffing position of the National Health Service in Scotland following the decision of the General Medical Council to strike doctors off the register; and how many doctors in Scotland are estimated to be affected by this decision.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellI understand that there is to be a further meeting of the Council of the British Medical Association tomorrow, after which I will decide what steps, if any, I should take. The number of doctors affected in Scotland is not known.