§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list those organisations which control the level of establishment of consultants working within the National Health Service on a whole-or part-time basis for the various specialties and outline the procedure used when a change in establishment is proposed; and if he will make a statement on why his Department makes such decisions.
§ Mr. Moyle:Regional health authorities and boards of governors apply to my Department for approval to establish new consultant posts. Applications are considered on the advice of the central manpower committee, a joint body between my Department and representatives of the medical profession. These central controls are aimed at establishing a proper balance between the numbers of training grade and career posts, reducing regional inequalities and improving recruitment to the shortage specialties.