HC Deb 09 May 1994 vol 243 cc43-4W
Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in reducing junior doctors' hours in Northern Ireland over the last two years; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ancram

Very significant progress has been made towards reducing junior doctors' hours since 1991. Of the 1,013 junior doctors and dentists identified at that time in Northern Ireland, about 500–52 per cent.—were contracted for more than 83 hours a week. Only 19 such posts, less than 2 per cent. of the total, remained at September 1993 when the last survey was completed. It is expected that these will be eliminated very shortly.

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