HC Deb 13 December 1983 vol 50 c433W
69. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what effect on consultant expansion will arise from the targets for manpower savings imposed on regional health authorities.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We would expect there to be little if any effect. Authorities have been asked to give priority to staff providing direct patient care and the Government remain committed to expanding the numbers of consultants as resources allow.