HC Deb 16 February 1982 vol 18 cc88-9W
49. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the fact that expenses, as calculated by the review body and refunded to general practitioners, include the cost of a British Medical Association subscription on the assumption that all general practitioners are members of this trade union, which represents them in remuneration negotiations, he will reimburse similar subscriptions paid by nurses to the Royal College of Nursing, the Confederation of Health Service Employees and the National Union of Public Employees; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

The doctors' and dentists' review body takes account of all practice expenses accepted by the Inland Revenue for tax purposes when recommending the level of remuneration for general practitioners. We do not reimburse subscriptions for professional and trade union bodies made by salaried National Health Service employees, nor do we think it appropriate to do so.