§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what measures he proposes to take to control charges imposed on the National Health Service by agencies which provide locum staff replacements for hospitals;
(2) what approaches he has made to the Wessex region with regard to the control of charges imposed on the National Health Service by agencies providing locum staff replacements for hospitals within the Wessex region;
(3) what approaches or responses he has received from the Wessex region with regard to the control of charges imposed on the National Health Service by agencies providing locum staff replacements for hospitals within the Wessex region.
§ Mr. NewtonThe Basingstoke and North Hampshire health authority has expressed concern, in correspondence with officials, about the costs of locum medical staff engaged through agencies. A number of regional health authorities are currently collaboratng with the aim of containing such costs. We intend to consider the need and scope for central action in the light of their progress.