§ 44. Mr. Hoggasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the representations made to him by the hon. Member for St. Marylebone on behalf of the Hospital Junior Staff Action Group; what action he will take and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonI wrote to the right hon. and learned Member on 23rd December last explaining the methods of consultation with hospital staff and the help given in hospitals to junior doctors in preparing for higher qualifications.
§ Mr. HoggAs the right hon. Gentleman knows, the representations were to the effect that in studying for higher degrees some of these young people were actually driven to National Assistance. As they have complained that the Ministry does not fully recognise the necessity for time off for studying for higher degrees, and that higher degrees are necessary for consultant status, will the right hon. Gentleman keep this matter under his own personal consideration, and give it favourable attention?
§ Mr. RobinsonIt has been considered by me personally. I am aware that there are certain difficulties here, but the views expressed by the right hon. and learned Gentleman were those of the Action Group, and I explained to him that whilst I will always consider any views they express I cannot negotiate with them, because I can negotiate only with the recognised bodies representing the profession.