HC Deb 18 July 1960 vol 627 cc9-10
20. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Health the number of whole-time consultants employed in the National Health Service for the years 1954 and 1959, and the number of part-time consultants employed for the same years.

Mr. Walker-Smith

Exact figures are not available, but the following is an approximate estimate: 1954, 1,730 whole-time, 4,780 part-time; 1959, 1,844 whole-time, 5,258 part-time.

Mr. Pavitt

Has the Minister any policy on the future planning of the consultant service? Is the S.H.M.O. grade to be absorbed into the grade of consultant or to become a permanent backwater or a career grade? Does the Minister wish to encourage consultants on a part-time basis, or would he not prefer more consultants to be full-time?

Hon. Members

Reading a brief.

Mr. Walker-Smith

Concerning the retention of part-time consultants in the Service, the hon. Member may be aware of the provisions of the National Health Service (Amendment) Act, 1949, which was passed when the party opposite was in power, which safeguards their continuance. So far as remuneration is concerned, that should be adjusted in accordance with the recommendations of the Royal Commission. So far as—

Sir J. Duncan

On a point of order. Is it not much worse for back-bench Members to read the whole of a brief than for junior Ministers to do so?

Mr. Speaker

I do not know. Whatever hurries them up suits me. Let us, however, get on with the business.

Mr. Walker-Smith

In that case, Mr. Speaker, the least I can do to further your efforts is not to proceed with the answer which I was about to give.