HC Deb 16 March 1973 vol 852 c454W
Dr. Summerskill

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will extend the women doctors' retainer scheme to women above the age of 55 years.

Sir K. Joseph

This scheme was introduced last summer and I am not considering any changes in it at present. The main value of the scheme in staffing the National Health Service lies in the contribution doctors will make in whole-time or substantial part-time employment after a period in the reserve; this would necessarily be a limiting factor in relation to women over 55.