§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the allocation of merit awards to consultants is dependent on whether a consultant is employed by the national health service in a part-time or full-time capacity; and how many consultants earn less than £1,000 annually in private sector work.
§ Dr. MawhinneyEligibility for distinction awards is not dependent on whether a consultant is employed in a part-time or whole-time capacity. The actual amount payable to a part-timer is determined on a pro rata basis. Information on the number of consultants with private earnings of less than £1,000 per annum is not available. However, in 1988–89 it is estimated that about 25 per cent. of hospital consultants had no private earnings.