§ 18. Mr. William Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much money it is estimated will be spent on nurses' wages during 1970; and what was the comparable figure for 1964.
§ Mr. CrossmanThe estimated total cost of nurses' remuneration in England and Wales for the financial year beginning 1st April, 1970, is£290 million. The comparable figure for the financial year which began on 1st April, 1964, was£170 million.
§ Mr. PriceIs my right hon. Friend aware that a number of hon. Members opposite are driving cars which display posters saying "Fair Deal for Nurses"? Is it not clear beyond reasonable doubt that it took a Labour Government to give them a fair deal for the first time?
§ Mr. CrossmanI take it that the posters now are expressing thanks to us for what we have done.
§ Mr. RidsdaleCan the right hon. Gentleman say how much of this increase in pay has been taken back in taxes?
§ Mr. CrossmanI could not say that without further notice, because we have to consider the recent Budget which has been so favourable to people on this kind of income level.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanDoes that include money spent on agency nurses? If it does, can the right hon. Gentleman say what priority it has? Will he also say whether he is still having trouble with the sister-tutor level finding comparable jobs outside the Health Service at higher salaries?
§ Mr. CrossmanOn the hon. Gentleman's second point, there are problems which have to be considered. On his first point, I have no figures available, but I think that they would be round about 1 per cent., if not less.