To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in reducing the hours of junior hospital doctors and dentists; and if she will make a statement.

Regional task forces have reported that at 31 March there were 370 junior hospital doctors and dentists in England contracted for more than a maximum average of 83 hours a week. This is a fall of over 12,900, or 97 per cent., since September 1990. We also have reports that a further 125 posts have had their contracted hours reduced in April, bringing the total remaining posts to 245.This represents significant progress in reducing junior doctors' and dentists' hours. I have written to health authority and trust chairmen to thank them and to emphasise that the small number of posts where contracted hours remain over 83 hours are tackled as a high priority. I will monitor progress closely.We are determined to see further progress in reducing hours for the benefit of junior doctors and dentists.