HC Deb 27 February 1956 vol 549 cc819-20
35. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Health what reply he has sent to the telegram sent to him by the staffs of the four Metropolitan hospital boards, protesting at his refusal to grant salary increases similar to those received on 1st January by local government officers.

Mr. Turton

I have replied that this is a matter for the Whitley Council which can be settled only by the ordinary processes of negotiation and arbitration and is therefore not a proper matter for my intervention.

Mr. Collins

Is the Minister aware that it is alleged that the management side of the Whitley Council refused, on his instructions, to discuss this matter? If that is so, it not only contradicts the Answer he has just given, but it is contrary to the whole spirit of the Whitley Council machinery. Further, is the Minister aware that many of these hospital officers were formerly local government officers, holding responsible positions, but that he is tending to destroy the whole hospital machinery? Will he give these people a fair deal?

Mr. Turton

We must respect the Whitley Council machinery and not listen to every rumour we hear. In this case, the dispute has gone to the Industrial Court for arbitration and the hearing is to take place on 8th March.