§ Mr. Allan StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he will be taking to implement the376W recommendations of the report "Hospital Medical Staff: Achieving a Balance—Plan for Action"; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI shall be looking closely at what action should be taken in Scotland on the report. Although the basic principles apply with equal force north and south of the border, detailed arrangements to put them into practice in Scotland will need to be separately determined in consultation with professional and health board interests.
I have therefore decided to set up a working group, chaired by Dr. Graham Scott, the deputy chief medical officer of the Scottish Home and Health Department, which will include representatives of health boards, the Scottish Joint Consultants Committee, Scottish universities medical schools, the Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical Education and the Department. The group will consider what action needs to be taken in Scotland. The aim will be to help bring hospital medical career and training grades into balance, and ensure quality of service to patients.