§ 57. Mr. Mellishasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the shortage of administrative and clerical staff in hospital service; and if he will make a statement on his proposals to remedy the situation.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am aware that there are recruitment difficulties in the hospital service as in other public services. The grading and career structure of the service is now being examined in the light of recommendations made by Sir Noel Hall.
§ Mr. MellishBut that reply is absolute nonsense. Of course the Minister must know that there are very grave and serious difficulties. Every hospital management committee is facing serious shortage of administrative and clerical staff. His veto of the 3 per cent. award has made the position very much worse. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] Does the right hon. Gentleman really believe that under these circumstances we can attract any more staff—with the knowledge that the Minister we have at the moment is likely to curtail any increases that they may justifiably be awarded? [HON. MEMBERS: "Answer."]
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI do not know, Mr. Speaker, whether the hon. Gentleman is in order in concluding a long and rather infelicitously phrased speech by commanding me to answer? [HON. MEMBERS: "Answer."] Certainly. The procedure is perfectly clear. Sir Noel Hall has made his report, which contains his recommendations. The report is before the Whitley Council. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Certainly, and in due course its recommendations will come to me— [An HON. MEMBER: "For your veto."]—and I will consider those recommendations in the light of the existing circumstances. There is no reason for the hon. Gentleman or anyone else to draw the inference that no action will be taken on Sir Noel Hall's report.