M9EDICAL JOURNAL by having a say in the appointment and control of his staff, expects wholehearted cooperation and loyalty. Consultants are now paid in hospitals such as those of the London County Council, some being whole-time and others part-time. The question is, Will the future generation of consultants be willing or able to serve as honorary members of the voluntary hospital staff? The answer is not far to seek. The traditions of the voluntary hospitals must not be lost, as they are a bulwark-against a completely socialistic scheme of State service. Coordination of the hospitals is being achieved to some extent by the establishment of the Emergency Medical Service hospitals and by the Nuffield Provincial Hospitals Trust. These are on the lines of central councils and hospitals, with regionalization of areas. The Council of the King Edward's Hospital Fund for London has done much to improve the buildings and equipment of the voluntary hospitals. Would a whole-time State Medical Service give the same incentive to original research as the voluntary system? Would promotion depend upon clinical or administrative ability? * These sera were made available, through the kindness of Dr.