An accurate audit of consultant manpower in paediatric surgery in the UK was performed based on two surveys carried out in 1992 and 1994. There were 70 paediatric surgeons in 1992 and 84.5 in 1994 (a 21 per cent increase). The ratio of paediatric surgeon per population was approximately 1 in 800,000 for the UK although marked regional differences were noted. The expressed aim of the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons is to achieve a ratio of 1 per 500,000 population which implies a further increase to about 110 consultant posts in the UK. It will be necessary to plan for a commensurate increase in the number of training posts in this specialty.