HC Deb 08 July 1958 vol 591 c174
6. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the salary of a State registered nurse in Scotland is reduced when she takes a course of midwifery training; and whether he will take steps to remedy this anomaly.

Mr. Maclay

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Health gave on 23rd June to my hon. Friend, the Member for Blackley (Mr. E. Johnson) of which I am sending him a copy. The Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council operates on a Great Britain basis.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he need not send me a copy because I was in the House when the exchanges took place? I thought his mind might have been influenced by what I am sure was the general feeling on both sides of the House on this matter. Is he aware that the Minister of Health at that time asked for specific examples to be sent to him, and that I had already, several months ago, sent a case to the Joint Under-Secretary and that he gave the stereotyped answer which the right hon. Gentleman has now given? Will he undertake to represent to the Whitley Council that this House is of the opinion that this anomaly ought to be looked into and remedied?

Mr. Maclay

The hon. Member clearly realises that this is a matter for the Whitley Council. Doubtless the hon. Member's remarks will be drawn to its attention.