HC Deb 11 May 1970 vol 801 cc822-3
42. Mr. Fortescue

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the way doctors' overtime is assessed under the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Crossman

A system of extra duty allowances for intermediate and junior grades of hospital doctors has been agreed between my Department and the profession's representatives, including representatives of junior doctors. The agreement is not based on the usual overtime principles; additional payments will be made only when there is encroachment into the minimum time off-duty recommended for these grades.

Mr. Fortescue

Can the right hon. Gentleman answer the question which he was unable to answer earlier? The extra payment does not come into operation until a senior hospital doctor has done 108 hours a week on duty and a junior hospital doctor has done 104 hours a week. Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that this situation should be changed as soon as possible?

Mr. Crossman

Although there has been some opposition, I am, on the whole, content with the agreement reached.