HC Deb 04 May 1971 vol 816 c1142
1. Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement about the system of merit awards to consultants.

The Secretary of State for Social Services (Sir Keith Joseph)

The distinction awards system was introduced at the outset of the National Health Service, following the recommendations of the Spens Committee. A small professional committee under the Chairmanship of Lord Platt advises the Secretaries of Stale for Scotland and Wales and myself which consultants should receive awards.

Mr. Huckfield

I am grateful to the Secretary of State for that information. Can he say anything about the merit award which the consultants at Walsgrave Hospital gave themselves by carrying out private practice illegally? Has he received the report from the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board, and has he any statement to make further to that report?

Sir K. Joseph

I think the hon. Gentleman has a Question on the Order Paper on the second part of his supplementary question. It has never been the practice to reveal the names of holders of merit awards.

Mr. Pavitt

In view of the widespread dissatisfaction over the system of secret awards, will the right hon. Gentleman carry out a thorough review, together with the other things which he is having considered, with the idea of perhaps making these awards applicable to posts rather than persons?

Sir K. Joseph

No, I am not ready to undertake such a review unless much stronger evidence, and the reasons for it, including the views of the professions concerned, in favour of a review is given to me.