§ Mr. Penhaligonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many consultants are employed, both part-time and full-time, in NHS hospitals; and how many vacancies are currently unfilled.
§ Dr. OwenAt 30th September 1974 hospitals in England and Wales had the services of 11,164 consultants—4,411 whole time, 5,675 part time, and 1,078 honorary; there were also 344 locums occupying 316 posts. 351 posts were reported as not occupied on the survey day; a number of these posts would, however, be in process of filling. Provisional figures for June 1975 show an increase over September 1974 of 243 consultants in posts—over 2 per cent. This includes some increase in radiology and anaesthetics, specialties about which particular concern has been expressed.