HC Deb 07 February 1990 vol 166 c702W
Mr. Meale

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the criterion under which whole-time consultants employed in the National Health Service are allowed to earn a percentage of their gross income from private practice without losing their status and payment qualifications as full-time National Health Service consultants.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The terms and conditions of service for hospital medical and dental staff provide that a whole-time consultant can earn up to 10 per cent. of his gross whole-time salary, including the value of any distinction award held, from private practice.

Mr. Meale

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the Government have any plans to end the practice of paying whole-time medical consultants higher salaries to partly compensate them for their dedication to the National Health Service.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

No.