§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many additional consultants he proposes to appoint to the Lanarkshire Health Board area during the year 1977; and in which hospitals they will be engaged.
§ Mr. Harry EwingThe initiative in establishing new consultant posts in Lanarkshire lies primarily with the Lanarkshire Health Board subject to my right hon. Friend's approval on the advice of the Advisory Committee on Hospital Medical Establishments and the Advisory Committee on Dental Establishments, and I understand that the board will shortly be seeking approval for a number of new posts. Appointments have still to be made by the board to a number of posts already approved in principle. The timing of these appointments depends on a number of factors, including the availability of candidates qualified in the specialities concerned.