§ 14. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Health what was the salary scale for radiographers at the inception of the National Health Service; what increases have been granted since that date; and how the total increase compares, on a percentage basis, with the rise in the cost of living.
§ Mr. VosperAs the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL. REPORT.
§ Mr. SwinglerI thank the Minister for his answer. I wonder whether he can say what is the last figure? Is he aware that radiographers all over the country are complaining that they are inadequately rewarded, and also that any rise they have been given since the Health Service came into being has not kept pace with the rises in prices or the rises given to other professional classes? Can the right hon. Gentleman comment on that?
§ Mr. VosperI dealt with this matter very fully last week. The basic salary has risen from £385 in 1950 to £485 in November, 1956. That is an increase of 35 per cent., which is slightly below the increase in the cost of living for a comparable period. I have already said that I am not satisfied with the position, and I have asked for a review.
§ Following is the answer:
| Grade of Radiographer | At the inception of the National Health Service, 5th July,1948 | 1st October,1950 | 1st October.1951 | 1st February,1954 | 5th November,1956 | Percentage increase of mean of scales in Col. 6mean over of scales in Col. 2 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Basic | 310 x 12½-360 | 335 x 12½-385 | 355 x 15-415 | 380 x 15-440 | 420 x 15-465 x 20-485 | 35 |
| Single-handed. | (a) 347½ x 12½-360 or | 375 x 10 -385 x 15-460 | 400 x 15-490 | 425 x 15-515 | 470 x 15-545 x 25-570 | (a) 47 |
| (b) 360 x 15-435 (according to nature of post or experience required) | (b) 31 | |||||
| Senior | 360 x 15-435 | 385 x 15-445 x 20-465 | 415 x 15-490 | 440 x 15-515 | 485 x 15-545 x 25-570 | 33 |
| Superintendent. | 450 x 25-575 after 10 years' service in the grade by 25-600 | 475 x 25-625 | 500 x 25-650 | 530 x 25-680 | I (in charge of 3–7 assistants) 585 x 25-710 x 40-750. | 27 |
| II (in charge of 8 or more assistants) 675 x 27½-812½ x 37½-850 | 45 | |||||
| The rise in the cost of living as measured by the Index of Retail Prices between July, 1948 and November. 1956, was 46 per cent. |
17. Mr. Cowerasked the Minister of Health what is the present shortage of radiographers in North and South Wales, respectively; what is the number at present employed; and when he anticipates that the numbers now under training will meet present requirements.
§ 26. Mr. Callaghanasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, despite the increase in salary awarded to radiographers seven months ago, there is still a shortage in the Cardiff area; and what steps he is taking to improve the position.
§ Mr. VosperThere is a shortage of ten whole-time radiographers, or 22 per cent., in North Wales, and twenty, or 12½ per cent., in South Wales: the shortage in the Cardiff area is five, or 11 per cent. The numbers at present employed are 894 thirty-five in North Wales and 139 in South Wales, of whom forty are employed in the Cardiff area. As regards the latter part of both Questions, I would refer the hon. Members to the reply given to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Dr. Stross) and other hon. Members on 27th May.