48. Mr. Lindsayasked the Minister of Health when he expects the revised salaries of the designated officers of the administrative and clerical staffs of the National Health Service to be implemented.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithWithin a few weeks, when the authorising circular has been sent to employing authorities.
Mr. LindsayDoes the Minister appreciate that these ladies and gentlemen who have been told that they are to have an increase feel somewhat impatient at the delay before they actually come on to the higher salary scale?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithYes. The circulars have been difficult to draft in this case, as is well known to both sides of the Whitley Council, because there are complicated arrangements in regard to assimilation and so on. But the circular should be going out quite soon now and, of course, the salaries are back-dated to 1st July, 1958.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonOver what period will these officers have to serve before receiving the full salary scale awarded to them under the new arrangements?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI could not spell out, in answer to a supplementary question, the whole of the complicated assimilation arrangements, if that is what the hon. Gentleman means—but I do not think that he does.