§ 71. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health whether he will reopen negotiations with the medical profession for an interim settlement of their claim, pending the full review to be undertaken by a Royal Commission.
69. Mrs. Jegerasked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to arrange an interim settlement of the doctors' pay claim.
§ Mr. VosperI am glad to be able to say that the Government are prepared immediately to recommend the management side of the appropriate Whitley Council to offer to negotiate an interim increase in the remuneration of hospital medical and dental staff up to and including the grade of senior registrar. Beyond this, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Rankin) on 28th February.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopDoes not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that his answer is merely a stonewalling answer? When will he give us some information with regard to the interim negotiations in respect of general practitioners?
§ Mr. VosperIt is not quite a stonewalling answer, because it relates to the Government's decision to offer to negotiate immediately for junior hospital doctors. On that question I am still awaiting a reply from the negotiating committee. Beyond that, I have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend's statement.
§ Mr. GaitskellCan the right hon. Gentleman say why the Government could not have made this announcement at the same time as the setting up of the Royal Commission was announced?
§ Mr. VosperI do not want to add anything today to what my right hon. Friend has said.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter at the earliest possible moment.