HC Deb 18 October 1989 vol 158 c142W
Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action his Department is taking to protect the public from expensive and unreliable private health check-ups.

Mr. Freeman

The General Medical Council is responsible for the maintenance of ethical standards in the medical profession.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the present regulations regarding(a) the establishment and implications of private clinics and (b) controls to ensure that the staff of those clinics are properly qualified for the functions they are called upon to perform.

Mr. Freeman

In England and Wales part II of the Registered Homes Act 1984 and its associated regulations require that relevant premises are registered and inspected at least twice a year, that the person in charge is appropriately qualified and that adequate professional. technical, ancillary and other staff are provided. In Scotland the corresponding legislation is the Nursing Homes Registration (Scotland) Act 1938 and the associated regulations. Neither Act contains powers to control health screening clinics.