§ 23. Mr. Bottomleyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total staff employed by the Medical Research Council; and under what awards then-wages, salaries and conditions of service are fixed.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThe total staff employed by the Medical Research Council on 1st April, 1955, was 1,645. Rates of pay and general conditions are 1883 determined by the Council, in consultation with the Treasury. For scientific staff they are based on comparable scales and conditions for university staffs; for administrative and clerical staff on civil service scales and conditions; for technical staff on the rates and conditions in the Health Services; and for other staff either on those in the Health Services or on those obtaining under local or trade union conditions.
§ Mr. BottomleyWould the Financial Secretary agree that it would be much better if the trade unions and the employers' organisations represented upon the Medical Research Council were to agree conditions of service and salaries? I think that that would be much more satisfactory and would lead to greater contentment.
§ Mr. BrookeI have answered the Question the right hon. Gentleman put to me. If he would like to pursue it further, perhaps he will succeed in getting himself re-elected to Parliament.
§ Mr. HastingsIs there a Whitley Council for any of those employed by the Medical Research Council? If not, why not?
§ Mr. BrookeI should require notice of that question.