HC Deb 28 February 1966 vol 725 cc183-4W
Mr. Howe

asked the Minister of Health how many persons were taken into training during each of the last five years as hospital physics technicians at regional radiotherapy departments; how many of such trainees completed their training; how many of such trainees, having completed their training, remain in service with the National Health Service; and whether he is satisfied with the present level of recruitment and remuneration of hospital physics technicians.

Mr. K. Robinson

I regret that information is not available in the form required nor separately for radiotherapy departments. A recent inquiry shows that at 30th September, 1965, there were 67 technicians-in-training in post against establishements of 69 although in the year since 30th September, 1964, 22 trainees had left the hospital service, 11 of them before completing one year's training. The total number of hospital physics technicians has increased by about 10 per cent. each year since 1961 but further expansion is needed. Salary scales are currently under review by the Whitley Council.

Mr. Howe

asked the Minister of Health what is the establishment for hospital physics technicians at the Newcastle, Birmingham, and Clatterbridge regional radiotherapy departments; to what extent such establishments are sufficient for departmental needs now and 18 months hence; what is the present number of vacancies at each such establishment; and what steps he is taking to recruit sufficient hospital physics technicians to fill existing vacancies at each such establishment.

Mr. K. Robinson

Establishments in the radiotherapy departments at the Newcastle, Birmingham and Clatterbridge centres are 7, 5 and 11 and vacancies are 4, 2 and 1 respectively. Establishments are a matter for each hospital authority; future establishments have not been fixed but generally more technicians are required for this expanding service. The employing authorities are responsible for recruitment but my Department supports their efforts by distributing careers literature.