Lord Campbell of Croyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will take steps to encourage an increase in the number of surgeons operating in the United Kingdom.
§ Baroness TrumpingtonMy right honourable friend the Minister for Health is today publishing a consultative document on hospital medical staffing which has been agreed on a basis for consultation between representatives of the Joint Consultants Committee, health departments and chairmen of regional health authorities. These proposals will, we believe, lay the foundation for resolving the long-standing problems of the medical staffing of hospitals. This will be in the interests of patients and doctors alike. Among the proposals is one to encourage the creation of additional consultant posts in general surgery and other specialities by means of a centrally-funded scheme. Copies of the consultative document are being placed in the Library.