§ 1. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Health what incentives are offered to those in the ward sister-charge nurse grade to serve in psychiatric hospitals rather than in general nursing.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Enoch Powell)All but the most senior nurses on the psychiatric register receive a lead over those on the general register.
§ Mr. PavittWhy has the increased incentive at staff nurse level been retained in the new scale but eliminated at the ward sister-charge nurse level? Is he aware that this £50 decrease is having a very bad effect on recruitment in psychiatric hospitals? Is he further aware that on the female side of psychiatric hospitals there are already acute difficulties because of the shortage of nursing staff?
§ Mr. PowellThe hon. Member is mistaken. It is only at the very top of 2 the scale that the lead has been eliminated. This is the result of the award of the Industrial Court, and I gather the view is taken that at the top of the scale there is not a difference in responsibilities.