HC Deb 09 December 1957 vol 579 cc887-9
43. Mr. D. Jones

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the monthly-paid nursing staff at a hospital within the Hartlepools Group did not receive their pay cheque on the day it was due; and what action he proposes to take to put this matter right.

Mr. Walker-Smith

I understand that the monthly salaries due at the end of

November were, in fact, paid on Monday, 2nd December.

Mr. Jones

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the same thing will probably happen towards the end of December? Is it not now clear that his action in interfering with the ordinary mechanics of the Whitley Council has almost completely paralysed the administrative work of the hospital service?

Mr. Walker-Smith

No, Sir. I would say that the hon. Member is using the language of hyperbole in applying that description.

Mr. Shinwell

Is this not adding insult to injury? Is it not bad enough that the right hon. Gentleman has failed to apply a legitimate award? Having done that, he does not take care to see that the meagre pay that these people receive is paid on the due date.

Mr. Walker-Smith

If there are delays owing to the operation of this ban, I would, naturally, regret them; but that is not a factor which should dictate the decision which Parliament has placed upon Ministers in this context.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Does the Minister realise that his legalistic and rather pedantic replies satisfy nobody in this House? Does he also appreciate that some of his earlier answers in the House about the ban being operated by trade unions were wholly misleading?

Mr. Walker-Smith

It is quite clear that the hon. Member uses the word "legalistic" when others would use "accurate" and that he uses "pedantic" when others would say "free from prejudice".