§ 9. Colonel Malcolm Stoddart-Scottasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Ministry of Health Circular (RHB(51)101), dated 9th October. 1951, recommends that when redundant hospital staff is discharged the relative efficiency of one individual as compared with another shall not be considered, but only the length of service; and, as this recommendation is not commensurate with an efficient and economically-run hospital service, if he will withdraw the circular.
§ Mr. CrookshankThe circular says that the principle of "last in first out" is subject to the over-riding consideration of the efficiency of the hospital. This is met by paying regard to the work that the individual is doing rather than by a comparison between individuals and I do not propose to withdraw the circular.
§ Colonel Stoddart-ScottDoes not the circular say, after it refers to the efficiency of the hospitals:
the employee to be discharged is subject to the over-riding consideration of the efficiency of the hospital. This latter proviso does not refer to the relative efficiency of one individual as compared with another.Is not the keeping of the oldest employees likely to lead to lack of efficiency?
§ Mr. CrookshankI think both cases are provided for, and in any case the procedure was discussed by the Health Service Whitley Council and the circular reflects the views of that Council.
§ Mr. A. BlenkinsopWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will do nothing to weaken the authority of the Whitley Council, in spite of the pressure from the benches behind him.