§ 42. Mr. Albuasked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to ensure uniformity between the gradings of staff in regional board and teaching hospitals.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithIt is the responsibility of the regional boards and boards of governors as employing authorities to grade their own posts in accordance with the definitions of duties laid down for 26 the various grades. My Department controls the numbers and gradings of certain posts and, in this way, tries to promote common standards of grading.
§ Mr. AlbuIs the Minister aware that there is very strong feeling among hospital management committees and regional boards that the grading of administrative staff in teaching hospitals is at a very much higher level—that is to say, there are more higher posts—than is allowed in regional board hospitals? This will make it extremely difficult for hospitals in the Metropolitan area to recruit staff in future?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am not aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Member referred. There is a good deal of provision which enables us, as it were, to facilitate the grading of appointments in the hospital field. However, if the hon. Member has any particular instances in mind I shall be very happy to consider them in the general context.