HC Deb 08 February 1965 vol 706 cc4-6
20. Mr. John Hall

asked the Minister of Health what representations have been made to him about the critical shortage of hospital pharmacists; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. K. Robinson

A number of representations have been made by hospital authorities and individuals. I am aware that there is a shortage in some areas, particularly in London. I have no doubt that the appropriate Whitley Council, which is now considering a claim for salary increases for hospital pharmacists, will take into account recruitment difficulties together with other relevant factors.

Mr. Hall

Is the Minister of the opinion that the reason for the shortage lies in the inadequate remuneration enjoyed by these people, and does he not agree that this problem will never be solved unless their rates of pay are considerably improved?

Mr. Robinson

I did not notice any such demands when the party opposite were on this side of the House. The present salary scales are the result of an Industrial Court award of February 1964. As I say, a substantial claim is before the Whitley Council at the moment, and all these factors will undoubtedly be taken into account.

Mr. Solomons

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the dispensary in our local hospital, the Westminster, has been closed since the summer because of the reasons already referred to? Is he further aware that the closing of dispensaries in this and other hospitals means that forms E.C. 10 must be used, thus incurring further expenditure on hospital authorities?

Mr. Robinson

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the position.

Lord Balniel

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that this is a very urgent matter—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—the more urgent because of the recent closures of certain dispensaries in London? Will he do his utmost to hurry forward the Whitley Review and get a decision on this? Would he not, in particular, agree that an improvement in pay for pharmacists should have a very much higher priority than some of the higher priorities he has selected in the National Health Service?

Mr. Robinson

The noble Lord knows that I cannot hurry up decisions by the Whitley Council. I can assure him, however, that I regard the position as very serious indeed.