§ Mr. Wrayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is reviewing the economic and financial conditions necessary to keep National Health Service medical staff from emigrating to countries where their pay is higher.
§ Mr. NewtonDoctors' pay is reviewed annually by the Doctors and Dentists Review Body which takes account of all relevant factors in bringing forward its advice. We are not aware of significant emigration of medical staff, but the evidence is being reviewed by an advisory committee on medical manpower planning.
§ Mr. Wrayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospital wards had to close for lack of doctors or nurses in 1986; and what were the comparable figures in 1978.
§ Mrs. CurrieI regret that the information requested is not held centrally. The day-to-day management of hospitals is the responsibility of local health authorities.