HC Deb 08 February 1989 vol 146 c698W
Mr. Rowlands

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many consultants at present hold a contract with the National Health Service in Wales; and in what disciplines the six new appointments during the next three years will be made.

Mr. Grist

The number of consultants who held a contract with the National Health Service in Wales on 30 September 1987 was 864, compared with 696 in 1978.

No decision has yet been taken on where and in which specialties the posts will be created, but they will be targeted to achieve maximum benefit, including the need to reduce waiting lists.