Sorry, this is unreasonable criticism.  The LMC conference had all the
ingredients for fire and brimstone but was effectively defused by
Milburn's letter.  Many motions relating to the PCG issue were still
debated though as they still had a purpose beyond simple angry
opposition.  The wording of many of the motions is critical - they do
not sell out to HMG in quite the way you suggest.  Read them carefully.
Better still, read transcripts/reports of some of the debate on these
issues, and you may feel less angry.

The negotiators achieved considerable success, bearing in mind the
government majority and general approach to the issue.  The differences
between the first draft of his "letter" and the final form were
considerable and significant.  The BMA & GMSC are not politically inept.
Witness the distribution of misinformation about them (and the
profession in general) a few months ago from "official" sources - a
standard tactic for reducing support for the opposition's leaders which
will continue.  This reflects their strength, not weakness.

Resign from the BMA?  Why?  This is what Milburn would like.  Divide and
rule - If we divide, they will rule.

There is no doubt that grass roots opposition to the PCG issue finally
made the minister negotiate, and maintaining such pressure will ensure
that this continues.  The LMC conference accepted Milburn's letter as
part of continuing negotiations and not as a finished matter.  I
personally have no wish or intentions of devoting any time to PCG
matters, but will remain a BMA member and criticise from within - and
expose the weaknesses or the proposals rather than undermine our
negotiators.  Form alternative pressure groups as well - it can only
help demonstrate the strength of feeling.

And finally.  Did I see you the conference?  Are you on your LMC?  If
not, get elected and join in.  Building things with stones is sometimes
more difficult than throwing them.

Bill Beeby
GP - Middlesbrough UK
*	(SMTP) [log in to unmask]
*	(x400) [log in to unmask]
*	Fax 01642-270055   PGP key available.


> -----Original Message-----
> From: [log in to unmask]
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of ROBERT TAYTON
> Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 1998 8:46 PM
> To: INTERNET:[log in to unmask]
> Subject: LMC no-vote decision
>
>
> Well done again! Not only has Chisholm sold us down the drain
> but now the
> LMCs have given the signal that we all accept the basic white paper
> proposals! Give me strength - at least if we had voted 'no'
> we could have
> told the govenment, on abject failure of their policies, that
> it was truly
> their fault - now they definitely will accuse us.
>
[snip]


> My suggestion - let's all resign from the BMA and give them a
> cash problem.
> They will learn quickly that if you have not enough money you
> must put up
> prices or reduce services (as Trusts and HAs will be managing
> overspends)
> - lesson one for them.
>
>



%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%