HC Deb 31 May 1965 vol 713 cc1147-8
6. Mr. Ogden

asked the Minister of Health if he has yet been able to meet representatives of the National Associa- tion of Registration Officers to discuss ways of raising the status and salaries of the service; and what are his proposals.

2. Mr. Bessell

asked the Minister of Health if he will now make a statement on the status and salary conditions of registration officers, following the representation made to his predecessor in March, 1964.

Mr. K. Robinson

I have myself had a useful talk with representatives of the officers and the hon. Member for Leeds, North-West (Sir D. Kaberry) and am considering what can best be done to meet their difficulties.

Mr. Ogden

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he can say when he will be able to make a further statement in view of the length of time it has taken for the matter to come to his notice and be further considered?

Mr. Robinson

I cannot give my hon. Friend a definite reply. The difficulty is that neither I nor the Registrar-General has any locus in the established negotiating machinery. Any special action would require the co-operation of the parties to the machinery.

Sir W. Anstruther-Gray

Is there any liaison between the right hon. Gentleman and the Secretary of State for Scotland in the matter of the conditions and salary of registration officers?

Mr. Robinson

Yes, indeed, Sir.