§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many consultant posts in England and Wales are unfilled; and what steps he is taking to encourage the filling of these posts.
§ Sir K. JosephProvisional figures for 30th September last indicate that there were in England and Wales 835 consultant vacancies (in whole-time equivalent). This total includes newly-established posts waiting to be filled and posts held by locums. Action to fill individual vacancies is a matter for hospital authorities. Recruitment will be monitored by the Central Manpower Committee which was established last year.