§ 15. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement on the present position regarding time-expired senior registrars, indicating what proportion have been recommended for and have received permanent appointments.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI explained my proposals in regard to time-expired senior registrars in my reply to the hon. Member on 21st April. Hospital boards have so far formulated proposals for 24 designated posts of which two are about to be approved and 22 are under consideration.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs that not a very small proportion of the whole? Why is progress so slow? Does the Minister not appreciate that a very great deal of anxiety and hardship is entailed?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithIt has always been envisaged that there would be only a limited number of designated posts. The hon. Member will recall that I used that phrase, or words to that effect, in my answer on 21st April. In regard to slow progress, it is a fact that two regional hospital boards and five boards of governors have not as yet replied, but I have reminded them of the urgency of doing so.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopDoes not the Minister feel that the time must come in a registrar's career when he needs some kind of certainty about his future?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithA good many of us in other fields of activity want certainty as to our future on both sides of the House. We do our best for these people.