HC Deb 19 March 1957 vol 567 cc199-200
29. Mr. Hoy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the resentment caused in hospitals in Scotland by the decision to impose a charge for board and lodging on resident medical and dental staff while absent on annual leave; under what authority this decision was made retrospective from August, 1956; and if he will cancel this decision.

Mr. Maclay

This matter is under consideration by the Whitley Committee concerned. I expect to have their decision very soon, and I shall then write to the hon. Member. The original decision followed an agreement between the two sides of the Whitley Committee.

Mr. Hoy

Do I understand from what the right hon. Gentleman is saying that this is now to be reconsidered?

Mr. Maclay

Yes, Sir. At this moment the subject matter of the Question is under reconsideration by the appropriate committee.

Mr. Hoy

Can we take it from the right hon. Gentleman, then, that these doctors will not be charged until a settlement has been reached?

Mr. Maclay

I cannot possibly prejudge the results of the discussions now going on in the Whitley Committee.

Mr. Hoy

If this is being negotiated at the present time, surely the right hon. Gentleman could give the House an assurance that at least the doctors will not be charged until a settlement is reached?

Mr. Maclay

I really prefer to wait until the Whitley Committee has reported.

Mr. Woodburn

My hon. Friend has asked a question about a change that has been made. I gather that the right hon. Gentleman has now imposed this charge; in other words, that he has changed the conditions of the doctors in the midst of a discussion as to what the final settlement is to be. Could not the existing position be continued until the matter is settled?

Mr. Maclay

I should like notice of the precise detail of that question. I have not examined that point, but obviously, if the matter is being reconsidered, the question of retrospective action must be involved.