HC Deb 04 May 1959 vol 605 c6
13. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health what is the cost to the National Health Service of increased salary awards agreed at the time the Health Estimates were prepared for the curent financial year.

Mr. Walker-Smith

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind the figures for the hospital service, for which the additional provision made in 1959–60 compared with 1958–59 was about £31 million.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is provision to be made by means of a Supplementary Estimate for the recent increase in salaries for nurses, or is this increase to be found —I hope not—out of the Estimates already published?

Mr. Walker-Smith

No. The increase in respect of nurses is after the date to which the Estimate was made up and will call for a Supplementary Estimate.