§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many appointments have now been made in the grade of hospital practitioner, what steps have been taken to review the existing posts of general practitioner who are working in hospitals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleA total of 227 appointments had been made to the hospital practitioner grade in England by 30th September 1977. In August 1975, area health authorities were asked to review posts held by general practitioners working in hospitals; as a result, 1.490 such posts in England have been recommended for re-grading. The medical profession set up a working party to examine the difficulties that have affected implementation of this grade, and my Department is currently discussing the working party's recent report with the profession.