§ 42. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the sum estimated by the Review Body on Doctors' Remuneration as the element in the total in respect of night and weekend duties and his estimate of the annual sum on average paid by a general practioner to a commercial deputising service and, where by partnership arrangements it is possible for a practice to contract out completely, he will now deduct from each doctor's pay cheque the difference between these two sums.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if a junior hospital doctor in receipt of overtime payments is eligible to accept service with a commercial deputising agency within the terms of his instructions to family practitioners' committees.
§ Mr. MoyleThe present regulations and guidance would not preclude a junior hospital doctor from seeking employment with a commercial deputising agency. However, the proposed code of practice for deputising services which is being negotiated with the profession provides for the appointment of a Professional Advisory Committee, one function of which will be to satisfy itself of the professional competence of applicants for employment by the deputising service and their suitability for the work. This will include ensuring that the maximum hours of duty for which they are to be employed are consistent with their providing an efficient service both in that capacity and in any other post in which they are currently employed.