HC Deb 02 May 1955 vol 540 cc1328-9
33. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health what provision has been made in the National Health Service Estimates for 1955–56 for increases in wages and salaries negotiated during the last 12 months.

Mr. Iain Macleod

So far as England and Wales are concerned, about £5½ million more than is estimated to have been required in 1954–55 as the result of such increases.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Does that include the recent wage increase for nurses negotiated during the last few months and which has not yet been distributed to nurses?

Mr. Macleod

Yes, and there is a big increase not included which will have to be covered presumably some time in the financial year—the one to dentists.

Mr. Bottomley

When will authority be given for the payment of salaries and wages increases already agreed upon by the National Whitley Council machinery?

Mr. Macleod

I do not quite follow the question the right hon. Member has in mind. Insofar as we can be sure that increases will come within the financial year, they are covered by the Financial Estimate.