HC Deb 07 March 1983 vol 38 c330W
Mr. David Young

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of a recent case heard at Preston where a medically unqualified teacher set up a private clinic and performed operations, if he will take steps to ensure that medical or surgical treatment can be performed only by a qualified practitioner; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The clinic in question was being operated quite illegally and was not even registered under the Nursing Homes Act 1975 as amended by the Health Services Act 1980 which it should have been as a clinic which undertook surgical procedures under anaesthesia. The task in cases of this kind is one of detection and enforcement of the law and the person in question was duly convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment.

Mr. David Young

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce legislation to provide for the provision of bonds by medical practitioners in private practice in order to provide compensation for persons who have received treatment from unqualified practitioners.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

No. It is open to individuals who may be injured to take action through the courts.