HC Deb 05 June 1990 vol 173 cc580-1W
62 Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on current consideration of the pay and conditions of hospital doctors in the National Health Service.

83. Mr. Paice

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on current consideration of the pay and conditions of hospital doctors in the National Health Service.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Hospital doctors' pay has risen by more then 33 per cent. in real terms since 1979. For details of the 1990 pay settlement for National Health Service hospital doctors, I refer my hon. Friends to the reply my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave my hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough and Horncastle (Mr Leigh) on 1 February at columns260–62.

We have recently issued detailed guidance to health authorities on consultant's contracts. By 1 April 1991 all hospital consultants will have job plans agreed with local managers setting out their main responsibilities and their fixed commitments in the National Health Service.

The issue of junior doctors' hours remains a priority for the Government. I recently met representatives of all the key parties, including the profession and National Health Service management, to discuss the way forward. A working group has been established to explore the key issues.

78. Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the latest figure for the number of hospital doctors in the National Health Service.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The latest figure for the number of hospital doctors in the National Health Service in England is 45,574 as at 30 September 1988. This figure includes permanent paid and honorary staff.

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