§ Mr. Howieasked the Prime Minister whether he has now received recommendations from the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration on their annual review of the number of distinction awards available to hospital consultants; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. In accordance with normal practice the Review Body have considered the number of awards available by reference to the number of consultants eligible to receive them, and have concluded that an increase in the number of awards is justifiable in view of the rise in the total number of consultants, and the increase in the standard of skill among consultants generally and particularly in certain specialities.
The Government are indebted to the Review Body for their Report and have accepted the advice tendered.
Copies of the Report have been placed in the Library.