§ Mr. Molloyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when consideration is being given to the reorganisation of post-graduate teaching hospitals in London; and if he will permit senior officers at present in post the right to avail themselves of the option of early retirement.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe current order preserving the boards of governors of the specialist postgraduate teaching hospitals will expire in February 1979. I am currently considering possible alternative management arrangements, on which I intend to consult with the interested parties during 1978. An optional early retirement scheme would not be justified since there is no structural need for it. If any employees are made redundant because of statutory reorganisation the Crombie Code, the terms of which are more generous than normal redundancy terms, will apply.