asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many ophthalmologists are working in the National Health Service at Preston Royal Infirmary and Sharoe Green Hospital; and how many hours per week each ophthalmologist attending the aforementioned hospitals spends on strictly National Health Service work.

Following is the information for the Preston health district:

2 consultants, 1 medical assistant—9 sessions per week.

1 registrar, 2 senior house officers—all whole-time.

1 clinical assistant—1 session per week.

These duties are mainly undertaken at Preston royal infirmary. One consultant spends one hour per week at Sharoe Green hospital. The contracts of both consultants provide for one session per week at Chorley and District hospital.