HC Deb 14 May 1962 vol 659 cc922-3
22. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the widespread anxiety caused to hospital employees by the publication of his hospital redundancy plans, he will hold discussions with the relevant trade unions to secure an agreed scheme.

Mr. Powell

I have nothing to add to the statement of my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary on the Adjournment on 3rd May.

Mr. Boyden

Surely, during that debate, the Parliamentary Secretary gave the impression that there was very little between the Ministry and the trade unions. If so, why cannot the Minister bridge the gap in order to make for better relationships in the service?

Mr. Powell

Because the matters in addition to those already covered, which the staff interests would wish to see met, seem to me to be outside the scope and to go beyond the purpose of the redundancy arrangements.

Mr. K. Robinson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Parliamentary Secretary's reply on that occasion was quite unsatisfactory? Since we both agree that the redundancy arrangements are not likely to be extensive, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the best thing he could do would be to withdraw the circular about redundancy, and re-negotiate it and come to an agreed settlement with the staff representatives?

Mr. Powell

No, Sir. I think that these arrangements very fairly meet the case of the relatively very few cases of redundancy that there will be.