§ Mr. Thorpeasked the Secretary of State of Social Services if she can now 550W say when the working party on new contracts for doctors is expected to report; and whether she will ask it to make an interim statement if its deliberations are likely to be protracted.
§ Mrs. CastleA meeting of the joint working party has been arranged for tomorrow, 20th December, when a decision is likely to be taken on whether to make a report on progress to date.
§ Mr. Thorpeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will conduct a survey to ascertain the number of doctors who have left the National Health Service over the past three years other than on the grounds of retirement.
§ Dr. OwenSome information is available in respect of overall movement of doctors in and out of the NHS, though this does not directly give figures excluding retirements. In addition, some detailed information is available in respect of senior hospital staff and general practitioners. The figures are being extracted and will be sent to the right hon. Gentleman. A retrospective study of other doctors would not be practicable.
§ Mr. Thorpeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she can now say when she expects the Review Body on Doctors' Pay to make its report; and if she will ask it to make an interim award if its deliberations are likely to be protracted.
§ Mr. CastleMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister hopes to receive its report shortly.