§ 34. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health what representations he has received on behalf of doctors serving their interim year in hospitals; and whether he has any proposals to make to improve their conditions of service.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. J. K. Vaughan-Morgan)My right hon. Friend has received no representations on behalf of these doctors. In common with other junior doctors in the hospital service they have had an increase of 10 per cent. in their pay as from 1st April last, as an interim measure pending the report of the Royal Commission on Doctors' and Dentists' remuneration.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the great anxiety that has been aroused about the hours of work being done by many of these staffs, and is this not due to the restrictions which his own Department has imposed on new appointments for more senior staff in hospitals?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganNo, I do not think so. I think the hon. Gentleman may he raising the matter as the result of an article in the Observer. As regards living conditions and the organisation of work, these are primarily matters for the hospital authorities and the senior medical staff. The other matters, other than those to which I have referred, are really matters for the appropriate Whitley Council.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I have personally received representations on this matter, quite apart from the article in the Press, and will he not at least consider something more, as far as family allowances or something of that kind is concerned?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganThat really is a matter for the Whitley Council.