HC Deb 18 May 1982 vol 24 cc85-6W
Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why doctors from the European Community are not given linguistic tests as are doctors entering Great Britain from the new Commonwealth.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Doctors seeking to practise in this country who are nationals of, and received their primary training in, member States of the European Community have to satisfy their employers, or, in the case of those seeking to enter the general medical services as principals, the relevant family practitioner committee that they have the knowledge of English necessary for the work they will be doing. Other overseas doctors have to satisfy the registrar of the General Medical Council that they have the necessary knowledge of English.