§ Mr. Ronnie CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many consultant posts in the northern region there are now; and how many there were in 1985.
§ Mr. NewtonThe number of hospital medical and dental consultant posts (including vacancies) in the northern region as at 30 September 1985 was 921. The number of posts as at 30 September 1986, the most recent date for which figures are available centrally, was 951. Figures quoted have been rounded to the nearest whole-time equivalent. They include senior hospital medical and dental officers with allowance, as well as permanent paid, honorary and locum staff.
§ Mr. Ronnie CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many consultant vacancies are currently unfilled in the northern region; and how many of these have been unfilled for more than 12 months.
§ Mr. NewtonThe number of unfilled consultant vacancies in the northern region as at 30 September 1986, the most recent date for which figures are held centrally,586W was 33, of which nine had been unfilled for 12 months or more. Figures quoted have been rounded to the nearest whole-time equivalent, and include vacancies where an appointment has been made but the holder has not taken up duty.