§ 45. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Health how many doctors have been declared redundant in the Hospital Service; how many have been found other suitable employment; and what safeguards the Health Service offers to those who specialise in diseases which, through modern research and treatment decline, and who find themselves without suitable alternative employment.
§ Mr. VosperI have no precise figures, but this difficulty seldom arises, since boards endeavour by reorganisation of work to prevent redundancies. A consultant who considers that his appointment is being unfairly terminated has a right under Section 16 of the Terms and 797 Conditions of Service to have the board's decision reviewed by the Minister. Boards are expected under the same section to do all they can to assist specialists in finding alternative employment.
§ Dame Irene WardMay I ask my hon. Friend [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] This is a different Question, on which I should like to ask a supplementary. In view of the fact that doctors are sometimes considered redundant when treatment has proved effective and are displaced as the treatment has proved effective, what is to happen when treatment in connection with tuberculosis and cancer prove effective and a large number of doctors are displaced?
§ Mr. VosperI am aware of that point, but so far it has happened in only two cases. In one of those cases a further appointment has been offered, and the other is the case which my hon. Friend has in mind.