§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement as to the future of district medical committees within the new Health Service organisation; and if he will ensure that the role of the medical profession will in no way be relegated or demoted and that all health authorities and the organisation below that level will consult the profession as hitherto.
§ Dr. VaughanThe role of district medical committees and the way in which the advice of the medical profession will be available to the new district health authorities have been considered by a working group convened by the Department's chief medical officer. It reported that it was not essential to have a formal committee to advise district health authorities on medical matters. We have recently completed consultation with the NHS and the medical profession on the report but I am not yet in a position to say what guidance we shall give for the future. In considering the responses to the report we shall, however, bear in mind the need for flexibility which underlies our approach to restructuring the NHS. My right hon. Friend has no intention of diminishing the role of the medical profession or of restricting its opportunities to be consulted.