HC Deb 18 November 1977 vol 939 c377W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will not ratify any new agreement regarding the terms of service for whole-time or part-time hospital consultants and specialists until such time as Parliament gives its approval.

Mr. Ennals

The terms and conditions of service of hospital consultants are a matter for negotiation between the Government and the representatives of the medical profession. In the course of the current negotiations on a new form of consultant contract I have emphasised that any new contract must fully reflect the value we place on whole-time commitment to the National Health Service. I shall continue to do so, and will certainly inform the House before a new contract takes effect.