§ Mr. MacdonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many employment disputes are current between local health boards and the British Medical Association; what is the average time for settlement of such disputes over the past five years; and what is the average cost to the Health Service in locum salaries, exgratia settlements and administrative costs of such disputes.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 9 May 1988]: The information sought is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to address his questions to individual health boards.
§ Mr. MacdonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any plans to reform the procedures governing disputes between the British Medical Association and local health boards; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 9 May 1988]: While disciplinary procedures for medical consultants include a right of appeal to the Secretary of State against dismissal, procedures governing disputes between representatives of recognised staff organisations, on the one hand, and health boards, on the other, are matters for local determination. There are no plans at present to review the General Whitley Council agreement setting out the guidance on local disputes procedures, but the council is currently reviewing its agreement on procedures relating to individual employees' grievances with a view to possible changes.