HC Deb 31 July 1961 vol 645 cc924-6
36. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made with the claim of pharmacists for higher remuneration in the National Health Service.

39. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement on the claim lodged by the Central National Health Service (Chemist Contractors) Committee for a revision of the terms of its contract with his Department.

54. Commander Kerans

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to improve the conditions of service of pharmacists in the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Powell

I have no statement to make at present.

Mr. Lipton

Does that mean that the unfortunate pharmacists do not stand a dog's chance of getting any improvement in their present conditions? Is he aware that many thousands of the thirty thousand pharmacists are getting only about £2 6s. 8d. a week for their very valuable services, without which the National Health Service could not continue? Is it right that there should be no wage freeze for doctors but that there should be a wage freeze for pharmacists?

Mr. Powell

All my reply means is that I have not yet finished my consideration of the claim.

Mr. Hayman

When the right hon. Gentleman makes a statement, will he see it contains full information both of the claim and of his decision?

Mr. Powell

I said that I had no statement to make at present; but I have not promised a statement.

Hon. Members

Oh.

Commander Kerans

As these people have had examination after examination into their working of the pharmacists' organisation over a very long period, will my right hon. Friend assure us that he will look into the matter in the not too far distant future?

Mr. Powell

Yes, and my hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that the Public Accounts Committee of this House has been particularly insistent that there should be accurate and detailed reviews of the remuneration in this branch.

Sir H. Linstead

Does my right hon. Friend visualise any time limit to these negotiations, or must the present terms and conditions of service continue indefinitely until the negotiations are completed?

Mr. Powell

I do not think that they can be altered until a decision has been obtained both on this claim and on other matters involved, but there is no intention on my part of unnecessarily delaying the decision.