HC Deb 22 October 1976 vol 917 cc575-6W
Mr. Neubert

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many neurosurgeons are currently engaged in the National Health Service (a) full-time and (b) part-time, in England and Wales; and what is their range of salary;

(2) how many neuroradioligists are currently engaged in the National Health Service in England and Wales; and what is their range of salary;

(3) how many neurophysiologists are currently engaged in the National Health Service in England and Wales; and what is their range of salary;

(4) how many neuropathologists are currently engaged in the National Health Service in England and Wales; and what is their range of salary.

Mr. Moyle

At 30th September 1975 there were 82 consultant neurosurgeons—29 whole-time, 50 part-time and three honorary, 35 consultant neuropathologists, and 38 consultant clinical neurophysiologists employed in the National Health Service in England and Wales. Figures for neuroradiologists are not collected separately, as the sub-specialty is included in the general specialty of radiology.

The range of salary for all consultants in the National Health Service is from £7,536, plus supplement of £312, to £10,689 per annum. In addition, consultants are eligible for distinction awards worth between £2,025 and £10,689 per annum.

Mr. Neubert

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the latest estimate of deficiencies in the number of (a) neurosurgeons, (b) neuroradiologists, (c) neurophysiologists and (d) neuropathologists engaged in the National Health Service in England and Wales; and what action is taken to make good the shortfall in each of the four categories.

Mr. Moyle

There are no official norms for the number of staff in these specialties. Authorities do not appear to be experiencing any difficulties in filling existing consultant posts in neurosurgery, neurophysiology or neuropathology, and we estimate that there should be adequate trained manpower in these specialties to meet the likely demand from authorities for new posts this year. Information on the sub-specialty of neuroradiology is not collected separately.