HC Deb 30 April 1956 vol 552 cc25-6
34. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health how many representatives of the Confederation of Health Service Employees served on the Nurses and Midwives Council when the recent agreement on wages was made; what other organisations were represented; and by how many representatives.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The staff side were represented by a negotiating committee consisting of their chairman and vice-chairman, three representatives of the Royal College of Nursing, and one representative each from the Association of Hospital Matrons, the Women Public Health Officers Association, the Confederation of Health Service Employees, the National and Local Government Officers Association, the National Union of Public Employees, and the National Union of General and Municipal Workers.

Dr. Stross

Would not the hon. Lady agree that these very many thousands of workers in the Confederation of Health Service Employees were represented by one person only and that that is rather a poor representation? Has she noted that there is a demand from them to have a separate council so that they can put their claims separately?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The full staff side comprises 41 members, which would give differing representation in any negotiations of this kind. They themselves decide on their negotiating committee and elect the personnel.

Dr. Summerskill

In view of the gross overcrowding of mental hospitals throughout the country, can the hon. Lady say why this agreement has been endorsed so easily when it is one which will reduce the incentives to those who are prepared to enter mental hospitals?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

That is another question which I shall be very pleased to answer if the right hon. Lady puts it on the Paper.

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