§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations she has recently received from the Overseas Doctors Council on literacy tests for immigrant doctors; and what reply she has sent.
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§ Dr. OwenThis test of professional competence and linguistic proficiency is required by the General Medical Council and the Government are not responsible in any way for its content or operation.
At a meeting with representatives of the Overseas Doctors Association on 13th November the Association drew my attention to the wide publicity given to the percentage pass rate of these tests, publicity which was unusual compared with that for other medical examinations and unfair to doctors already working here. They also complained about the technical conditions under which some of the tests were given. I explained that the organisation of the tests and the announcement of results were matters for the General Medical Council but that the Department would raise the points about publicity and conditions with the Council. The Overseas Doctors Association also asked that all doctors taking the examination should first be given a period of acclimatisation and assessment in hospital.
I undertook to give these proposals serious consideration and I have made arrangements to meet representatives of the Overseas Doctors Association again.