§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many unfilled medical and ancillary vacancies exist in the National Health Service which have remained unfilled due to cash restrictions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanInformation available to the Department suggests that few medical posts remain unfilled in the NHS because of lack of funds. Whilst at 30 September 1980, 730 authorised consultant and 184 senior registrar posts were without an occupant, many of these will have failed to attract a suitable applicant or have been vacant 229W temporarily pending completion of advertising and appointment procedures or the appointee being available to take up his post. Similar information on vacancies in the more junior medical grades and in other staff groups is not held centrally.