HC Deb 11 May 1970 vol 801 cc810-1
20. Mr. Cronin

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further action he will take to improve the working conditions of young hospital doctors.

Mr. Crossman

Negotiations are conducted between my Department and the Negotiating Sub-Committee of the Central Committee for Hospital Medical Services, which includes representatives of junior doctors. I have not received any formal representations from the Junior Hospital Doctors' Association about pay and working conditions.

Mr. Cronin

I appreciate that the Government have done much to alleviate the lot of junior hospital doctors. However, is it not still the case that many of them are working excessively long hours, sometimes so long that they could be prejudicial to the safety of patients? Will my right hon. Friend therefore consider increasing the number of posts for junior hospital doctors?

Mr. Crossman

My hon. Friend will appreciate that we have been in lengthy negotiations about the career structure for our doctors, and I am not unhopeful of reaching a successful conclusion.

Mr. Maurice Macmillan

Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that some junior hospital doctors are working up to 100 hours a week before they qualify for overtime payment?

Mr. Crossman

I could not go into that matter without having a Question put down about it.