§ Mr. John EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of consultant surgeons within the National Health Service work on a part-time basis in the private sector; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyNo information is collected on National Health Service consultants' work in the private sector. Consultants on National Health Service whole-time contracts are permitted private practice earnings up to 10 per cent. of gross whole-time salary. Sixty-nine per cent. of consultant surgeons have maximum part-time or part-time contracts which place no limits on private practice earnings. The Government's proposal to introduce full job plans for all consultants should improve their accountability to local management and make it easier for managers to monitor whether consultants are fulfilling their contractual commitments.