§ Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the long waiting lists for surgical attention, he will discourage area health authorities from retiring surgeons and consultants at the age of 65 years.
§ Dr. OwenIt is within the discretion of employing authorities to retain hospital medical staff beyond the age of 65 years, and they will no doubt consider doing so in any case where shortage of staff is a problem. Such shortages are by no means the only reason for long waiting lists, and in surgery, in particular, there is no difficulty in recruiting doctors to replace retiring consultants or to fill new consultant posts.