§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether concessions on financial status given to whole-time medical consultants in the National Health Service on percentage allowances for private practice have altered the numbers of National Health Service only consultants.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleySince 1979–80 whole-time NHS consultants have been permitted to undertake a limited amount of private practice. In 1980 44 per cent. of all medical consultants in England and Wales had whole-time contracts. This figure had risen to 49 per cent. by 1988.
§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether full-time contracts are to be continued to be offered to National Health Service consultant candidates; and whether any reductions in numbers of National Health Service whole-time consultants have been recorded in the regions.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyYes. Health authorities will continue to offer whole-time contracts to consultants.
Between 1979 and 1988 all regions in England have recorded an increase in whole-time consultant numbers.