§ 36. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Health what negotiations are in progress regarding salary scales to consultants, senior hospital medical officers and registrars; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodA claim for higher salaries is before the Medical Whitley Council, and the hon. Member will not expect me to make a statement while it is under consideration.
§ Mrs. MannIt has been under consideration since the Spens Report a number of years ago. General practitioners had their pay settled under the Danck-werts award more than a year ago. Cannot the Minister do something to speed 1350 this matter up, or does he enjoy the delay?
§ Mr. MacleodIt has not been under consideration for quite as long as that, although it has been under consideration for a very long time—some 16 or 17 months, which is a very long time indeed. I had a meeting on this subject this morning. There will be no unnecessary delay, and I think we are now nearing conclusion on the matter. I am sure that the hon. Lady recognises that this is a matter of the most profound importance which will have repercussions in many other fields.