§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many National Health Service employees covered by the last wage settlement were earning less than two thirds and more than one third above national average earnings, respectively; what were the average earnings in each of these categories; and what was the total salary bill for each category.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIt is not possible to provide the information in the precise form requested from the aggregated data received by the Department.
On the basis of returns, which are available from eight regions only, covering the period April to September 1982, the percentages of full-time NHS staff—excluding doctors and dentists—with earnings above and below levels approximating as nearly as possible to those specified are:
per cent. Full-time men Earning less than £96 26 Earning £191 or more 9 Full-time women Earning less than £66 7 Earning £131 or more 18 These percentages reflect earnings levels in the NHS prior to the implementation of the 1982 pay awards and are based on national average earnings as at April 1982. The 148W earnings figures used are also affected by loss of earnings through industrial action so that they probably understate the comparative position of NHS staff in normal working conditions.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list his responsibilities in respect of the settlement and implementations of wage increases in the National Health Service.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeAny settlement reached by a pay negotiating body within the NHS requires the approval of the Secretary of State under regulation 3 of the National Health Service (Renumeration and Conditions of Service) Regulations 1951 and 1974 (SI. 1951 No. 1373 and SI. 1974 No. 296) and under paragraph 11 of schedule 3 to the National Health Service Act 1977, before the new rates of pay can be implemented by health authorities.