§ 35. Paul FarrellyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress he is making in his negotiations with hospital consultants on their new NHS contracts, with particular reference to the proposed seven-year rule; and if he will make a statement. [26395]
§ Mr. HuttonOur proposals for the new consultant contract, published in February 2001, incorporated improved remuneration and incentives for consultants within a more robust framework of contractual duties and responsibilities, and envisaged that for an initial period, perhaps of seven years, the terms of the contract would prevent newly appointed consultants engaging in similar work outside the national health service.
These proposals, alongside the British Medical Association's own proposals, form the basis of continuing negotiations.