To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost was of locum cover in Northern Ireland for junior doctors during (a) March 2006 and (b) March 2007. (133702)

The cost for locum cover in Northern Ireland for junior doctors during March 2006 was £782,605. A final figure for March 2007 is not yet available but the cost to date is £867,297.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost has been of providing locum cover for junior doctors in Northern Ireland attending activities relating to Modernising Medical Careers. (134962)

There is no additional cost for providing locum cover for junior doctors attending Modernising Medical Careers activities as cover is provided by other junior doctors in the rota.