§ Mr. Stan Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is considering changes in the present independent contractor status of the general practitioner in the National Health Service; and whether approaches have been made by regional health authorities in this regard.
§ Sir George YoungNo.
§ Mr. Stan Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that 24-hour retirement among general practitioners is conducive to the best service the National Health Service may provide to patients in inner city areas.
§ Dr. VaughanWhere a doctor wishes to re-enter a medical list immediately on retirement, his application has to be agreed by the medical practices committee, on the recommendation of the local family practitioner committee: it is for these bodies to have regard to the service to patients, including those in inner city areas.
§ Mr. Stan Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many general practitioners returned to duty 90W after retirement at the age of 65 years in (a) the Liverpool health area, (b) the Preston health area and (c) the Manchester health area during the years 1977–78, 1978–79 and 1979–80.
§ Dr. VaughanNone, so far as I am aware.