asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is in a position to make a further statement regarding the future of hospital registrars and senior registrars and concerning the establishment of a grade of junior consultants between registrar and consultant grades.

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects to be able to make a statement on this question?

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate, as I know he would wish, that I must have full consultations with the medical organisations affected by any such change. I would merely say that I would make no decision without fully consulting them.

Is full consultation now proceeding?

Consultations are now proceeding.