§ Ian LucasTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with the National Assembly for Wales' Secretary for Health concerning NHS consultants' contracts in Wales. [101425]
§ Mr. HuttonFollowing the announcement of the British Medical Association referendum on 31 October 2002, no direct discussions have taken place between my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State and the Minister for Health and Social Services in the National Assembly for Wales.
However, officials from the four United Kingdom Health Departments have continued to keep in contact to ensure that developments in each country take place within a consistent framework based on the original objectives of contract reform, namely to provide better rewards for consultants who give most to the National Health Service and to support service reform.
§ Ian LucasTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with the BMA concerning NHS consultants' contracts in Wales. [101426]
§ Mr. HuttonMy right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State has had no discussions with the British Medical Association concerning consultants' contracts in Wales. This is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.