§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What job losses they estimate will occur in the National Health Service for 1985–86; and
What is their view of the proposal of the National Health Service to reduce jobs by 2,000.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Baroness Trumpington)We are pleased that improved control of National Health Service manpower in England meant that we were able to set an overall manpower ceiling for March 1986 2,000 whole-time equivalents lower than the level set for 1985. The efficient use of manpower has been a key concern of the Government in Scotland and Wales also. We are not able, however, to estimate the effect on jobs, some of which may be part-time.