§ 48. Mr. Howeasked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that hospital departments of medical physics and regional radiotherapy departments are adequately staffed; what representations he has received about rates of wastage and levels of payment for hospital physics technicians who work in such departments; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Kenneth Robinson)Numbers have continued to increase, but hospital boards need more technicians for this expanding service. One centre has recently reported a net loss, but mostly to other hospitals. On 28th February I met at their request, representatives of the staff side of the Whitley Council who were concerned about the progress of pay negotiations. I understand that negotiations are being resumed at once on a proposal for a current pay increase and that the comprehensive review of the salary and grading structure already in hand and the subsequent pay negotiations will be pursued as expeditiously as possible.
§ Mr. HoweIn view of the fact that, as the Minister told me last week, there are vacancies amounting to about 30 per cent. at the radiotherapy units in the Liverpool, Newcastle and Birmingham Regional Hospital Boards, and in view of the fact that the pay scales for these important people working on the new frontiers of mental science have lagged behind those of comparable medical technicians, can the Minister assure the House that the negotiations which he has mentioned will be pressed forward with the utmost speed to prevent any further shortfall in the number of these people?
§ Mr. RobinsonYes, Sir. I can certainly give that assurance, which was contained in my original reply. I should tell the hon. and learned Gentleman that the numbers have increased by about 10 per cent. a year over the last five years.