asked the Minister of Health how many doctors are employed under Part IV of the National Health Service Act, 1946; and what is the Approximate average annual salary of each for this service.

The average number of principals providing medical services under Part IV of the National Health Service Act in the year ending 31st March, 1951 was 17,717. They are not paid salaries, but their total remuneration for such services, including the value of the Exchequer superannuation contributions, was £43,506,262. This represents an average of £2,456 per doctor, out of which he had to meet his professional expenses.

asked the Minister of Health the average capitation fee paid to general practitoners in 1951.

A figure for the calendar year is not available, but in the year ending on 31st March, 1951, the average payment, based on an annual capitation fee of 18s. 0d., was just under 16s. 5d.