DOCTORS AND THE PUBLIC
Sts,—The Executive of the British Medical Association has in the last few days issued a Questionnaire to every registered medical practitioner at home and abroad, inviting him to answer a list of 30 questions on forms which are to be returned for examination and appraisement to the British Institute of Public Opinion. The claim has been widely made that the result of this Questionnaire may be taken as the authentic expression of the wishes of the medical profession. This form, a copy of which lies before me, is not to be signed by those filling it in, and, indeed, there is no space 'for such signature on the form itself, nor does the name of the person to whom it is sent .appear anywhere upon it. There is thus no assurance that the forms as returned have been in fact filled in by the accredited persons. The intention apparently is to imitate the anonymity of the ballot, but in the procedure of the Par- liamentary ballot the greatest care is taken to ensure that the signer of the ballot paper has in fact the right to vote, and no such precaution is observed in the issue of this form.
Enclosed with the form is an " analysis " contributed by the Asso- ciation, giving a clear lead as to the " answers " the Executive would like to be made by the recipients, and the Executive has long ceased to reflect the views of the vast majority of practising doctors on the proposed changes in medical practice.—I am, &c.,
E. GRAHAM-LITTLE.
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