§ Mr. Lyellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received concerning the wish of consultants in the National Health Service that their contracts should be held by regional health authorities rather than district health authorities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinI have received some 820 letters on this subject since my statement to the House on 23 July 1980—[Vol. 989, c. 506]. Most were from individuals or local groups of consultants, but the total includes letters from the British Medical Association, the Joint Consultants Committee, the Association of University Teachers and the National Association of Health 425W Authorities. At this stage, I have nothing to add to my reply on this subject to my hon. Friend, the Member for Bromsgrove and Redditch (Mr. Miller) on 3 March.—[Vol. 1000, c. 82.]