§ Ms. PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if she will make a statement on the age structure, gender breakdown and specialty mix of the 680 consultants who are identified in the Tomlinson report as surplus to requirements;
(2) if she will make a statement on the current merit award allocation to the 680 consultants identified by the Tomlinson report as surplus to requirements; what is the total amount of these awards; and how much of this sum will be transferred to primary care provision.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe figure of 680 consultants mentioned in the report is Sir Bernard Tomlinson's estimate of the number of surplus consultant posts, if patient inflows to inner London hospitals reduce to the maximum extent projected. We are still considering the proposals in the report, and will announce our response, including the staffing implications, in the new year.
§ Ms. PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the funds allocated in the autumn statement for the implementation of the Tomlinson report proposals.
§ Dr. MawhinneyWe shall put forward our proposals for the future direction of London's health services, including the financial implications, in the new year.