§ Mrs. Winifred Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received from wives of general medical practitioners regarding discrimination against them in connection with their work as employees of their husbands; what replies he has sent; and what steps he will take to end the discrimination complained of.
§ Mr. John FraserI have not received any direct representations on this subject although the matter has come to my attention. The question of whether the present policy of family practitioner committees as regards doctors who employ related ancillaries constitutes unlawful discrimination under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 is one which can only be decided by a court or tribunal. Policy as regards the scheme for the reimbursement of general medical practitioners in respect of ancillary staff is the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Social Services and the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.