§ Dr. Richard TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost was to the NHS of locums to cover the duties of Professor David Southall during his two year suspension. [11248]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Department collects information quarterly in regard to the suspension of hospital medical and dental staff and costs incurred, including the cost of locum cover. The most recently available return is for October 2001, and indicates that the North Staffordshire Hospital National Health Service Trust has incurred costs of £284,258 in regard to the suspension of Professor Southall.