asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many general practitioners contracted to work for the National Health Service are aged over 80 years; and if he feels that it is now appropriate to terminate such contracts at a specific age.

On 1st October 1977, there were three general medical practitioners aged over 80 years practising in Scotland as unrestricted principals and providing medical services in accordance with nationally agreed terms of service. These provide for appropriate action if a doctor becomes unable to carry out his obligations through disability, but do not require retirement on grounds of age alone. There is no proposal at present to do so.