HC Deb 11 May 1989 vol 152 c496W
Mr. Brandon-Bravo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many additional permanent consultant posts he estimates will be established within the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

It is estimated that 4,843 new consultant posts will be established in England and Wales between 1987 and 1998. This figure, which represents an increase of 33 per cent. in the number of consultants, includes the 100 new posts announced in "Working for Patients".