§ 21. Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the present composition of the staff side of the 979 Administrative and Clerical Whitley Council is fully representative of the administrative and clerical staff in hospitals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TurtonThe composition of the staff side, in this as in other fields, is essentially a matter for the staff organisations themselves.
§ Mr. BraineIs my right hon. Friend aware that the National Federation of Hospital Officers, representing a very important section of the hospital community, has been consistently refused admission to the staff side? Is he aware that, as a consequence, members of this organisation are debarred from joining the hospital joint consultative machinery? Is not that grossly unfair, and is it not a closed shop?
§ Mr. TurtonI am aware of those applications and that the staff side have not agreed to them, but changes in the composition of the staff side must, in my view, take place with the agreement of the staff side.
§ 22. Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Health what representations have been made to him during the past five years by the National Federation of Hospital Officers regarding recognition of their organisation for purposes of negotiating conditions of pay and employment; and what action he has taken.
§ Mr. TurtonThe federation asked my predecessor to have separate negotiations with them on the pay and conditions of service of hospital administrative and clerical staff, but this was not agreed to. They have recently written to me seeking to re-open the matter.
§ Mr. BraineIs it not a fact that the refusal of my right hon. Friend and of his predecessor to take any powers to deal with the matter is depriving important officers in the hospital service of their most elementary rights? If he does not possess powers, will he not consider taking them?
§ Mr. TurtonI received the federation's letter only last Tuesday. I think I must study it before I give an answer.