London - The Tory Party was accused yesterday of casting a slur on thousands of NHS staff after it called for foreign doctors to undergo English tests.
Shadow health secretary Dr Liam Fox said many overseas doctors had inadequate language skills and could not communicate properly with patients.
However, Labour Health Minister Mr John Hutton said: "It is sad that the Conservatives have sunk to this kind of tactic."
The Liberal Democrats accused Dr Fox of "thinly veiled racism".