§ Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will make a statement on the discussions she has had with the General Medical Council concerning its review of the present arrangements for the temporary registration of overseas doctors.
§ Mrs. CastleThe General Medical Council, which is the body with statutory responsibility, is planning to introduce in June 1975 a test of linguistic ability and professional knowledge and competence as a prerequisite for doctors seeking temporary registration for the first time. My Department is discussing with the council, the medical profession and field authorities how the existing attachment scheme for newly arrived doctors might be improved and co-ordinated with this test to form a more comprehensive and effective assessment system to be introduced as soon after June 1975 as possible. Guidance on the operation of such a system would be given to overseas doctors well in advance of its introduction.
Meanwhile the present attachment scheme will continue to operate for overseas doctors seeking employment in hospitals within the National Health Service and my Department will discuss with the General Medical Council how to secure co-ordination of the timing of test and attachment. We continue to be grateful to overseas doctors for the service which they give. Traditionally they have come here for further experience and training, and I expect this to continue, though it remains our policy to reduce our excessive reliance on help from this source.