§ 25. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Health what progress has been made towards implementing the recommendations of Sir Noel Hall's fact-finding Committee on the salaries of designated officers in the hospital service.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThis Committee was set up by and reported to the Whitley Council. I understand that the Council have referred the report to a joint negotiating committee which is now examining it.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs the Minister aware that it is widely believed that progress in the hospital service is being hampered by the Minister himself through his own representatives on the Whitley Council? Does he not recognise that he has a duty to implement the recommendations and to do justice to this seriously underpaid section of the community?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithNo, Sir. I am not aware of any such misapprehension existing in any quarters, and I would be grateful for the help of the hon. Gentleman in dispelling any should it arise. The matter is complicated. It is for the Whitley Council to speed its progress, but certainly no delay has been caused by my representatives.