The National Health Service Act was popular with the public - but as this survey shows, most doctors were against the proposals. They did not want to lose their independence and become state employees. Aneurin Bevan, the Health Minister, had to compromise by allowing private practice to continue and agreeing to pay GPs according to the number of patients they saw. This ensured that 90% of doctors voluntarily enrolled for the new scheme.
Catalogue reference: MH 135/785 (17 February 1948)

Reproduced with kind permission of the British Medical Association