§ Alistair BurtTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations he has received concerning the ending of the transition period for entry of non-consultant career grades to the specialist register; and if he will make a statement; [12623]
(2) what representation he has received on behalf of associate specialists within the National Health Service in relation to their inclusion on the specialist register. [12624]
§ Mr. HuttonWe have received a number of representations from medical professional bodies and from individual members of the profession on these issues.
As laid down in the NHS Plan, we are committed to increasing the number of consultants working in the National Health Service and it is important all available resources are harnessed. We are fully aware there is a pool of doctors within the non-consultant grades with the potential to become consultants. We are committed to removing unnecessary restrictions on the career progression of these doctors to ensure each is given the appropriate opportunity to demonstrate his or her potential.