§ 53. Mr. McKayasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that salaries in the National Health Service, which in 1948 were payable from £385 to £760, have only risen since that year by 32 per cent., whilst equivalent salaries in the Civil Service, teaching, and local government services have risen by 54 per cent.; and how the rise of 32 per cent. compares with the rise in the cost of living over the same period.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithNo, Sir. So far as the Health Service is concerned, increases in salary maxima within that range have not been uniform but have been up to 43 per cent. During the same period, the Retail Prices Index has risen by 48 per cent.
§ Mr. McKayIs the Minister aware that the figures given in the Question are based upon information supplied by the secretary of the organisation covering the men in the dispute? Would it not be wise to meet the men and try to come to sonic arrangement?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe increases throughout the various administrative and clerical grades have not been uniform in the National Health Service, nor indeed in the Civil Service or in local government. The maxima of the scales of the grades in the Health Service have in fact risen, varying from 18 per cent. to 43 per cent. during the time in question.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsHas the right hon. and learned Gentleman seen a statement in the Press this morning which gives a comparison relative to the position of these men and others? In view of the fact that public opinion regards his action as unjustified, are not these people being penalised?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI have not seen the particular item to which the right hon. Gentleman draws attention. I am aware of the comparable figures, but the right hon. Gentleman and the House will appreciate that it is not always possible to give effect to precise comparability in 31 an inflationary period without giving a further impetus to those inflationary pressures.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs it not quite clear that the Minister's use of his veto upon people with a very strong case has produced a very great public reaction against it?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithNo, Sir. I have repeatedly pointed out in the House and elsewhere that the use of the word "veto" is inappropriate in this case. What I did was to withhold approval in the context of the present economic situation and in view of the inflationary pressure, with an undertaking to review the matter as soon as economic circumstances make it appropriate.
§ Mr. BottomleyCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether he was aware of the figures contained in the Question when he gave instructions to the Minister's representatives on the Whitley Council not to agree to the wages concession?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI have already indicated to the House that the figures contained in the Question are not the right figures. I was, of course, aware of the correct figures and all other relevant circumstances when making the decision referred to.
§ 54. Mr. McKayasked the Minister of Health what would be the average rise per week of 3 per cent. on the salaries of the workers in the Health Department, covering those in the present dispute; how much would such an increase raise the salaries above the 1948 level; and how this would compare with the rise in the cost of living for the same period.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithA 3 per cent. increase in the salaries concerned would mean from £10 to £37 a year. The total increases over 1948 at the maxima of the salary scales would then range between 33 per cent. and 48 per cent. During the same period the Retail Prices Index has risen by 48 per cent.