§ 24. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that hospital management committees can, at present wage rates, recruit adequate numbers of suitable hospital workers to maintain a proper hospital service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithWage rates are fixed by the Ancillary Staffs Council. A general wage increase of 11s. 6d. a week for men and 8s. 6d. for women was given in February, and the Council are at present reviewing the rates for a number of individual grades.
§ Mr. BeswickWill the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that these non-medical workers and general industrial workers are most essential for the efficient functioning of the hospital service and that ceilings imposed by the Government on the management committees are making it very difficult to recruit adequate numbers? Will she bear that in mind?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithOne has also to recognise that there is a general shortage of domestic workers in all spheres and that the shortage is not limited to hospitals.
§ Mr. PeytonIs my hon. Friend aware that her efforts and those of her right hon. Friend in the recently issued circular are very much welcomed? Will both she and my right hon. Friend accept my congratulations on the fact that the circular was so easy to understand?