Scott challenges Salmond to take action on consultant bonuses

10.10.32am GMT Fri 18th Dec 2009

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott challenged the First Minister about paying consultant bonuses in the current financial circumstances when nurses are losing their jobs.

Commenting after First Minister’s Questions, Mr Scott said:

“Everybody knows that thanks to Labour, money for public services in Scotland is being squeezed.

“Money of course is available for some policies. The SNP have given bonuses of up to £75,000 to high paid consultants.

"Seven of the consultants who were given bonuses last January by the Health Secretary now serve at the private Murrayfield Hospital in Edinburgh.

"Millions of pounds are paying consultants' bonuses when the taxpayer doesn't even get all of their time from the NHS.”

Ends.