Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to ensure non-consultant career grade doctors can be appointed to NHS specialist posts; and if he will make a statement. [40967]
§ Mr. HuttonWe have proposed amendments to the European Specialist Medical Qualifications Order 1995. The amendments will increase the number of doctors in non-consultant career grades eligible to apply for consultant posts in the national health service subject, where appropriate, to the successful completion of a period of further training. It is not possible to extend this to all doctors in non-consultant career grades as they will not all have the required qualifications and training.