35. Miss Horbisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many radiographers are employed in the National Health Service in Scotland; and how many have left this service since the inception of the National Health Service apart from those who have retired on age grounds.
§ Mr. MaclayThe number of radiographers employed in the National Health Service in Scotland at September, 1957, was 428. I am sorry that the number who has left the Service since the inception of the National Health Service is not available.
Miss HorbisonIs the Minister aware that a number of radiographers have left the National Health Service? Is he aware that there is a shortage of radiographers in Scotland and grave dissatisfaction among them? Is he further aware that these radiographers have had smaller increases in remuneration that almost any other workers in the public service and that the answer given by the Minister of Health yesterday will cause much greater dissatisfaction among them? Can the Secretary of State assure us that very soon there will be a meeting of the Whitley Council to examine these matters?
§ Mr. MaclayI would inform the hon. Lady that the numbers in Scotland are 193 improving. They increased from 399 in March, 1955, to 428 in September, 1957. There is a steady but slow improvement. There is still a shortage, and everything is being done to overcome it. A claim for increased salaries was recently lodged by the Society of Radiographers, which I understand is before the appropriate committee of the Whitley Council.