§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce interim measures to prevent hardship to any overseas doctors whose period of limitation of registration expires early in 1984 and who have not then acquired the skills to practice during the five-year period in the United Kingdom that entitles them to full registration subject to the requirements of the professional and linguistic board.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNo. The maximum period for which a doctor may hold limited registration is laid down in the Medical Act. If, having completed the maximum aggregate period of five years allowed on limited registration a doctor fails to transfer to full registration he cannot continue to practise as a registered medical practitioner in this country. He would be free to seek other employment here. He would not be obliged to return home, though if he wishes to continue to practise medicine he may wish to do so.