asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the number of consultants at the latest available date; and how this compares with the number 12 months previously.

The number of consultants in England and Wales at 30th September 1977 was 12,472—whole-time equivalent 11,0802; this was an increase of 144—173·4—over the number at 30th September 1976 which was 12,328—10,906.8.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make area health authorities the employing bodies for National Health Service consultants.

In the recent negotiations on a new contract for NHS consultants, it has been agreed that consultant contracts will continue to be held with regional health authorities, area health authorities (teaching) or boards of governors of postgraduate teaching hospitals until such time as, following the report of the Royal Commission on the NHS, the level at which contracts should be held can be reviewed in consultation with representatives of the profession and with other interested parties, in the light of the Commission's report and other relevant factors.