§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many doctors were employed in the National Health Service in Scotland at the latest date; what were the figures in June 1979; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayAt 30 September 1983, there were in whole-time equivalent terms 9,038 doctors, including general medical practitioners, engaged in the National Health Service in Scotland. The equivalent figure as at 30 September 1979 (June figures are not available) was 8,616. These statistics show that the number of doctors in the Scottish Health Service has increased by around 5 per cent. since this Government came to office.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many doctors were unemployed in Scotland at the latest available date; and what were the comparable figures for June 1979.
§ Mr. John MacKayAt 30 September 1982, the number of registered unemployed in Scotland claiming medical qualifications (who would not necessarily all be seeking employment as doctors) was 106. The comparable figure for June 1979 was 35. Since analysis of the registered unemployed by occupation has been discontinued, information beyond 1982 from this source is not available to my Department. Information from other sources suggests that any unemployment experienced by doctors is of short duration and occurs mainly when moving from one stage of specialised training to another, but my Department is keeping a close watch on the position.