§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if cancer surgeons are currently receiving higher rates of remuneration for waiting list operation surgery than for other surgery performed as part of their regular duties; [53007]
(2) if he will make a statement on pay disparities between health authorities for cancer surgeons. [53014]
§ Mr. MilburnThe national salary rates applicable from 1 April 1998 for hospital consultants are specified in Advance Letter (MD) 1/98, copies of which are available in the Library. The salary rates apply to all consultants on national terms regardless of the speciality concerned. However, under arrangements introduced by the previous administration, trusts do have the flexibility to employ consultants on individual contracts of employment which may be remunerated on a higher basis than national terms and conditions of service. Trusts must ensure that the expenditure incurred represents good value for money and it will be open to scrutiny by auditors at the end of the financial year.