§ Dr. Evan HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will estimate the cost to the national health service of the salaries of doctors on suspension and absent on special leave during the most recent year for which figures are available; [45728]
(2) pursuant to his answer of 12 April 2002, Official Report, column 692W, on doctors (suspensions), what the total cost was to the NHS of the suspensions; and what the costs were in (a) doctors' and dentists' salaries, (b) payments to locum replacements and (c) legal fees. [57150]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Department routinely collects information quarterly in regard to the suspension of hospital medical and dental staff and reported costs incurred. This information is not broken down into salary or locum costs or legal fees. Of the 30 doctors and community dentists currently suspended for more than six months, 22 are consultants. No such information is held regarding doctors on special leave.