HC Deb 22 February 1972 vol 831 cc1091-2
19. Mr. Cockeram

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospitals implemented the Salmon proposals for nursing in 1971; what reports he has received of the practical working of this scheme; and how many hospitals he expects to introduce the Salmon proposals in 1972.

Mr. Alison

The first step in implementing the recommendations of the Salmon Committee in a hospital group is the appointment of a chief or principal nursing officer. Fifty-one such appoint ments were made in 1971 bringing the total to two-thirds of all hospital groups in England and Wales. A further 60 appointments are expected in 1972. We hope to issue a report shortly on experience in implementation.

Mr. Cockeram

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the importance of the Salmon proposals to those nurses who wish to make a lifetime career in the profession, because they offer them a career structure which they have not previously enjoyed?

Mr. Alison

I believe that the Salmon proposals and their implementation are proving increasingly powerful magnets to recruitment in hospitals which have Salmon systems.

Mr. William Hamilton

Will the hon. Gentleman recognise that as important as, if not more important than, implementing the Salmon proposals is to treat the nurses as a special case in respect of salaries in the same way as Wilberforce has recommended for the coal miners, and that public opinion is just as strongly behind the nurses, and will force the Government into action on their behalf, as it was behind the miners?

Mr. Alison

I do not want to anticipate the constructive and profitable negotiations going on in the Whitley Council about nurses' pay.