§ 38. Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that the London Provincial Council have failed to implement the recommendations of the National Joint Council for Hospital and Institution Staffs, he will give an assurance that any decisions reached by the Provincial Council will date from the pay week in which 1st April, 1946, fell.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe date from which any decisions of the London Provincial Council should operate would be a matter for the council. I have no authority to intervene.
§ Mr. HardyIn view of the widespread complaints of shortage of hospital staffs, is the Minister aware that such staffs in this country are seething with discontent because of the failure of the National Joint Council, which was set up in 1945, and that, despite the recommendations made in March this year that it should operate from 1st April, nothing has been done so far as the London Provincial Council is concerned? They have never had a meeting. Is the Minister further aware that the rates being paid vary from 86s. to 96s. for men and from 64s. to 71s. for women? The people concerned complain bitterly of these conditions, and strongly object to the employment of aliens for domestic service when we already have suitable people available in 1207 this country. If conditions were made more satisfactory, we should obtain the necessary staffs in this country.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe supplementary speech of my hon. Friend goes a long way outside the original Question, which related to the London Provincial Council. That Council is in some difficulty as to its constitution, and I have no power to intervene, although I am exercising what little influence I possess to speed up its establishment.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe London Provincial Council has not met because there is an argument as to the basis of its constitution.