§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action his Department is taking to ensure that the scientific services involved in patient care are adequately staffed and funded; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe numbers of staff working in scientific services overall continues to increase.
Regional health authorities have been asked to prepare for all staff groups—including scientific staff—manpower supply strategic assessing demand; supply measures necessary to meet assessed demand together with proposed steps to deal with any shortfalls. Also where necessary to produce training strategies.
Overall staffing levels and funding of scientific services is a matter for local determination.