HC Deb 27 February 1973 vol 851 c317W
50. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has approved the purchase of the emergency relief services for National Health Service medical practitioners in Liverpool and Birmingham by Allied Investors Ltd.; if he is satisfied that these services should be organised by commercial companies rather than by the doctors or their organisations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alison

This transaction did not require my right hon. Friend's approval. Relief services are employed by general practitioners, who are independent contractors, answerable for the acts and omissions of their agents. I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Widnes (Mr. Oakes) on 20th November about the arrangements for ensuring that standards are adequate whatever the form of ownership of the deputising agency.—[Vol. 846, c.307.]