§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultations she has had with, and what representations from, the British Medical Association concerning hospital bed closures and cancelling operating sessions; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Department holds regular meetings with professional representative bodies, including the British Medical Association and the royal colleges. The problems being experienced by a minority of hospitals in scheduling their contracted work evenly over the financial year have been raised recently. Where such problems are occurring they are being resolved by local managers with help, where necessary, from their regional health authority.