§ Mr. Stanbrookasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the recommendations made in the Puxon Report on the supply of locums has been accepted; and what progress has been made in putting them into effect.
§ Mr. MoyleThe report of the committee of inquiry appointed by the South-East Thames Regional Health Authority under the chairmanship of Mrs. Margaret Puxon to investigate procedures followed in the appointment of locum hospital medical and dental staff has been accepted in its entirety by that authority 283W and commended to its area health authorities for action. The committee's main recommendations concerned the checks on registration, identity and references which health authorities should carry out before appointing a locum. All health authorities were reminded of the importance of carrying out such checks on locum medical and dental staff, including those provided by agencies, as well as on permanent staff, in a circular issued by my Department in January this year. I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.