§ 43. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the decision of the North-West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board on the appointment of a third consultant at Three Counties Hospital, Arlesey, he will review the personal position of Dr. R. S. Russell to ensure that he suffers no loss of status or remuneration as a result.
§ Mr. HastingsWill my hon. Friend not agree that Dr. Russell has lost a con- siderable allowance through no professional fault of his but simply because of an administrative rearrangement at this hospital? Why was it that the regional hospital board did not recommend him 948 for another post, the duties of which he showed himself manifestly able to fulfil? Will not my hon. Friend make further representations.
§ Mr. BraineDr. Russell's allowance of £550 has been withdrawn because on reorganisation he no longer does the work which it covered. I understand he was told, when granted the allowance, that the arrangement was temporary. Dr. Russell applied for the new consultant job. The board, professionally advised, appointed another candidate. I am afraid, therefore, that there is nothing here to justify inquiry or intervention by my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. HastingsOn a point of order. While recognising the limitations of my hon. Friend in this case, in view of what seems to me to be the gross unfairness of it—
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member is not permitted to make fancy speeches instead of giving notice, because it cancels the time for somebody else's Question.