§ 31. Mr. Brockwayasked the Minister of Health when he proposes to increase the salaries of certificated medical gymnasts employed in rehabilitation centres and other branches of the National Health Service.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI have approved a Whitley Council agreement by which the salaries of remedial gymnasts are increased with effect from 1st October, 1959, and the relevant circular was sent to employing authorities on 27th November.
§ Mr. BrockwayIs it not the case that, even with the increases, the salaries vary only from £600 to £830 a year? In view of the fact that these are all qualified P.T. instructors who subsequently have to go through nine months' instruction, with a refresher course each year, and in view of the dedicated service they are giving by rehabilitation, does the Minister think these increases are adequate?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThese are the increases which arose from the Whitley Agreement which resulted from a proposal for revaluation in the context of the circumstances which the hon. Member has described. Increases varied from £15 to £150, or, in percentages, from 3 per cent. to 22 per cent. The increases are, therefore, substantial.
§ Mr. BrockwayIs it not a fact that the chartered society is appealing against this decision?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI did not know that, but there is, of course, provision for arbitration in respect of any dissatisfied body. These are substantial increases, as I have indicated.