§ 53. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Health when he expects to conclude his consideration of the Report of the Study Group appointed by him to inquire into the position of hospital engineers.
§ Mr. PowellI cannot yet add to my reply to the hon. Member on 10th December.
§ Mr. RankinIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these key workers in the hospital service have not had any increment in their remuneration since November, 1960? Does he not realise that they were looking forward to his conclusions on this Report, which he got last February, to help not only with salary reconsideration but also with matters of grading, qualifications, training and a whole lot of other important aspects of their work?
§ Mr. PowellAs I assured the hon. Member last week, and as I have informed him since—I think that he will have heard from me—the fact that there has not yet been a decision on these recommendations is in no way holding up negotiations on pay. The claim is at present under consideration.