§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Minister for Health's discussion with the Hospital Doctors' Association on the subject of the blacklist for medical appointments.
§ Dr. VaughanThere is no blacklist. Exceptionally, as a supplement to the normal checking of references when doctors seek NHS employment, the regional medical officer of a region where a doctor has been employed may write to other regional medical officers suggesting that they refer to him if that doctor should apply for a post; or the Department may write to regional medical officers in similar terms. This may be done, for example, where mental illness may have affected a doctor's ability to care for his patients, or where a bogus doctor is known to be 657W presenting spurious evidence of medical qualification. As has been made clear in recent discussions with the Hospital Doctors' Association the arrangements will be reviewed when the General Medical Council's new health committee comes into operation next year. The system must be fair to NHS patients and doctors, and I am considering suggestions made by the association.