§ Mr. George Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied with present procedure for the appointments of consultants to the National Health Service.
§ Mrs. CastleBy agreement with the professions' representatives, a large majority of NHS consultant vacancies have since 1955 been advertised on a "whole-time or maximum part-time" basis, successful applicants having the right to opt after appointment between a maximum part-time contract, carrying an entitlement to do private practice, and a whole-time contract, with no private practice entitlement.
As I indicated in my letter of 11th February to the consultants' representatives, I am not seeking any change in this agreement provided that the other part of the compromise contained in the 1955 agreement is maintained, namely, that the consultant who opts for private practice undertakes to give to the NHS substantially the whole of his time. This obligation is an essential part of the option agreement, which would cease to meet the needs of the National Health Service if the health authorities could not continue to expect as much from a consultant on a maximum part-time contract as on a whole-time contract.
Procedures for advertisement and selection for consultant posts are laid down in the Appointment of Consultant Regulations 1974. I am consulting the professions and other concerned about possible changes.