HC Deb 24 February 1964 vol 690 cc10-1
12. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Health why the management side of the relevant Whitley Council has found it impracticable to meet the staff side since December last for discussions on the salaries of hospital engineers.

Mr. Barber

A meeting of the negotiating sub-committee of the Whitley Council took place on 19th February, which was, I understand, the earliest convenient date.

Mr. Rankin

I wonder whether the right hon. Gentleman could tell us a little more about that meeting. Does he realise that his predecessor appointed a study group as far back as January 1961 to go into this problem of the grievance of the hospital engineers and received the report in February 1962? Could we not expect some more definite result or answer than the right hon. Gentleman gave me just now as to how this grievance is being dealt with and when a solution may be expected?

Mr. Barber

Naturally, I should like to see a solution as soon as possible. I recognise that the matter has been under consideration for a considerable time. But two parties are involved and, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the conduct of the negotiations is a matter for the two sides of the Whitley Council. I do not wish to say anything that would prejudice them in any way, but I am ready at any time to do what I can to help speed up matters, if that is possible. However, difficult and complex points are involved.

Mr. Bellenger

As this matter affects my constituency as well, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, if the engineers have lost faith in the Whitley Council procedure, a more expeditious procedure might not be possible?

Mr. Barber

I am hopeful that these negotiations will make rather better progress than in the past. This is a matter for the Whitley Council, and I am sure that it is best left with the Council. I hope that it will not be too long before a solution is reached. But several problems involved—and I have considered them myself—are very complex indeed. This is not an easy matter. It is not like a simple negotiation concerning salaries alone.

Mr. Rankin

I am encouraged by the right hon. Gentleman's answer, but is he aware that I was equally encouraged in the first quarter of 1962 when I first raised this matter and was told that progress was being made on qualifications and status and that there was only one outstanding issue—the salaries of group engineers? How near is that to the truth at the moment?

Mr. Barber

I hope that the hon. Gentleman will continue to be encouraged.