§ 24. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Health what would be the approximate annual saving to the nation if only whole-time medical officers were employed under Part II (Hospital and Specialist Services) of the National Health Service Act, 1946.
§ Mr. HastingsAm I right in assuming that there will be a saving of about 20 per cent.; and, if so, will my right hon. Friend communicate this to boards of governors when they are re-appointing officers in future?
§ Mr. BevanAs I said in my reply, as I do not know what the figures are I cannot say whether the figure of 20 per cent. is accurate or inaccurate.
§ 25. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Health what steps he takes to ensure that part-time medical officers engaged under Part II (Hospital and Specialist Services) of the National Health Service Act, 1946, are actually employed for the number of notional half-days for which they are paid.
§ Mr. BevanIt is the responsibility of hospital boards and committees to see that officers carry out the duties for which they are remunerated.
§ Mr. HastingsIs my right hon. Friend aware that some officers are paid for sessions for which they never turn up?
§ Mr. BevanI should like to have information as to that, because it seems to me rather extraordinary.
Dr. HillWill the right hon. Gentleman resist such general allegations without a shred of evidence being produced in their support?
§ 26. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Health the total annual salary paid to part-time medical officers under Part II (Hospital and Specialist Services) of the National Health Service Act, 1946; and, approximately, what proportion of this payment is for travelling time.