Written Answers
Nhs: Hospital Consultancy Vacancies
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have noted the statement of Michael Lowe, head of the Hospitals Division of the British Medical Association (
The Times, 22nd April 1982) that there are approximately 1,000 unfilled consultant vacancies at NHS hospitals due to lack of funds while there are 1,000 unemployed doctors, and what the Government propose to do to remedy this situation.
Yes, we have noted the letter, but while we are keeping the situation under close surveillance, we see no reason to introduce special measures.On 10th March 1982 the number of persons registered with the Department of Employment as seeking work as medical practitioners numbered 933, which represented less than 1 per cent. of all registered doctors, and past analyses have shown that of those so registered about half have been registered for less than three months. Between 1979 and 1981 the numbers of hospital medical staff in England and Wales rose by 1,734.The latest figure—of 1,070 consultant posts without a permanent holder—relates to 30th September 1981; one-third were in fact occupied by locums. Of the rest, it is not correct that they were all unfilled through lack of funds; for instance, a substantial proportion remained vacant despite repeated advertisement and many of the others were in process of being filled. With more than 13,000 consultant posts in the NHS, it is inevitable that on a particular day some posts will be vacant following retirement, resignation or death.
Commonwealth Caribbean: Reciprocal Pensions And Welfare Benefits
asked Her Majesty's Government:With which Commonwealth Caribbean countries there exist reciprocal arrangements on pensions and other welfare benefits, and whether agreements are being negotiated in any cases where they do not already exist.
The United Kingdom has a reciprocal agreement on social security with Jamaica, which covers pensions and certain other benefits. We also have an agreement of this sort with the dependency of Bermuda. There are no plans at present to enter into negotiations for an agreement with any other Caribbean country.
South African Death Sentences
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have received a request to ask the South African Government to allow N. Lubisi, P. Mashigo and N. Manana who have been sentenced to death to appeal against this sentence and whether they will respond affirmatively to this request.
We have received a number of representations over the death sentences imposed on these three men which were recently upheld on appeal. In accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 503 we, like other Governments, have let the South African Government know of the deep concern that has been expressed over this matter.House adjourned at nine minutes before ten o'clock.