§ Mr. RookerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the reduction in the number of available locum doctors, consequent to his request to district health authorities of 25 November 1988, concerning their terms of employment and remuneration.
§ Mr. MellorHealth authorities were advised of the maximum rate they should pay to agencies supplying locum doctors for work in hospitals from 12 December 1988. We have no evidence that the advice has led to any significant reduction in the number of available agency locums; but we are consulting widely on guidance to be issued to health authorities on their employment.