asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospital pharmacists employed by the National Health Service work outside contracted hours free of charge.

The number is unknown, although the pharmaceutical Whitley council, which negotiates pay and conditions of service for hospital pharmacists, recognises that some staff have undertaken emergency duties outside normal hours without remuneration, and agrees that payments for this service should be introduced. As announced on 8 March, additional funding has been approved for this purpose, and I expect that an agreement will now be be concluded.