In 1974 we published a pilot study on the use of consultant time in child psychiatry, based on detailed timesheets kept by a group of child psychiatrists in and near London (1). The group, which is still meeting, decided to see what changes, if any, have occurred over the last seven years in the way we allocate our time. The primary purpose of the group, now, as then, is ‘the provision of a forum where members can exchange views and compare experiences relating to the problems encountered while engaging in and often being professionally responsible for administering a child psychiatric service.’ A nucleus of about six consultants took part in both studies.