§ 29. Sir Ian Fraserasked the Minister of Pensions when it is proposed to apply the scales of remuneration authorised by the Minister of Health to specialists employed in Ministry of Pensions hospitals.
§ The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Marquand)The question of the remuneration of specialists in the Ministry of Pensions hospitals is being remitted to and independent committee set up in accordance with the recommendations of the 2083 Chorley Report, which will review the pay and grading of all medical officers in the Civil Service.
§ Sir I. FraserIn considering this matter will the Minister bear in mind that many of these specialists, who are doing comparable work, are now being paid less than half what is paid to similar grades in the National Health Service; and that it is so bad that the "British Medical Journal" refuses to advertise for these grades?
§ Mr. MarquandI am well aware of the situation; that will all be in front of this committee.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ElliotCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects the committee to report As my hon. Friend has said, there is a serious drain on the Service owing to the difference in the conditions between the two Ministries.
§ Mr. MarquandI am not aware of any serious drain. The committee is just commencing its deliberations, and it would really be for my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to answer questions about the date of the report.