§ Q6. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Prime Minister if he is now able to make a statement on the report of the review body dealing with doctors' remuneration.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made yesterday in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Carlisle (Dr. D. Johnson).
§ Mr. RobinsonWould not the Prime Minister agree that this increase, amounting to 14 per cent. and coming on top of the 29 per cent. award to doctors only three years ago, is very substantial, involving the taxpayer in finding £16 million extra money per year? Will he agree that, however justifiable this may be—and I am not arguing that at the moment—other professional workers in the National Health Service, and Health Service workers generally, are no less deserving? May we take it that the Minister of Health would approve a similar increase for physiotherapists and radiographers, for example, if it were submitted? Is the Prime Minister aware that this 14 per cent. to cover three years is the equivalent of 7 per cent, cumulative per year, and not 4 per cent. as was suggested in The Times today? May we take it that 7 per cent. is the new "guiding light" for personal incomes?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I am afraid I cannot accept the deductions, nor even the arithmetic, of the hon. Member. This review body has been set up and we have accepted its proposals as a whole. They relate to a period of trends much in excess of three years and they are intended to stand for at least three years from 1st April.