HC Deb 09 May 1995 vol 259 cc411-2W
Mrs. Beckett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many junior doctors are currently working more than an average of 72 hours per week. [22903]

Mr. Malone

At 30 September 1994, the latest date for which firm figures are available, there were 3,870 junior doctors contracted for more than an average of 72 hours a week in hard-pressed on-call posts. There were a further 2,196 junior doctors contracted for more than 72 hours a week in non-hard-pressed on-calls posts which are not subject to the current targets for reducing hours.

Our task forces conducted a further monitoring round on 8 February this year and I expect to be able to announce the results of that exercise very shortly.