§ Mr. Colin ShepherdTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many medical laboratory scientific officers are currently employed in the National Health Service; what is the maximum number employable in each grade; how many vacancies exist in each grade; how many have left the profession in each of the last two years; and what were their grades upon departure.
§ Mr. NewtonAt 30 September 1986, the latest date for which data are available to this level of detail, there were 14,624 (whole-time equivalent) medical laboratory scientific officers (including unqualified grades) in post in the National Health Service in England.
Information on the maximum number employable, vacancies, leavers and their grades upon departure is not held centrally. My hon. Friend may wish to contact the chairmen of individual regional health authorities for this information.
§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of medical laboratory scientific officers working in the public health laboratory service hold qualifications at degree level or above.
§ Mr. NewtonThis information is not routinely collated and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.