§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether it is normal practice for consultants to be given two years' leave of absence to work with private medical enterprises; and whether it is within the terms of service agreed between himself and the profession.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIt is unusual for consultants to apply for leave for periods as long as two years. The terms of service do provide for unpaid leave to be granted at the discretion of the employing authority, which should consider any such application in the light of individual circumstances, including the effect on services to patients.