§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider setting up an investigation into the payment of junior hospital doctors for the work they carry out in excess of the recognised 40 hours per week and to investigate the extent to which health authorities are paying the lower rate "B" for work which merits payment at the higher rate "A".
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNo. I know of no evidence that authorities are paying the "B" rate where the "A" rate would be appropriate. Appeal mechanisms are available to any doctor who is dissatisfied. The whole question of junior doctors' hours is being actively discussed with the medical profession, with a view to relieving the excessive loads on some doctors.