HC Deb 29 April 1975 vol 891 cc219-20
9. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will make a further statement on the review of salaries of hospital medical staff.

17. Mr. Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied that the Review Body recommendations will encourage doctors to remain in the United Kingdom and work full time in the National Health Service; and if she will make a statement in regard to the new contracts.

Mrs. Castle

The Review Body's report was published on 18th April, and my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced the Government's decision to accept the recommendations subject to the staging of increases at the highest salary levels, as in the case of top public service salaries.—[Vol. 890, c. 171–2.] I am glad to say that, prior to that announcement, the consultants' representative committee had decided to lift sanctions and to resume negotiations on their contract. I am satisfied that these events will improve morale in the health service and help with the emigration problem that is rightly concerning the hon. Members.

Mr. Taylor

In view of the satisfactory progress which has been made and in which the right hon. Lady played a valuable part, may I ask her to give an assurance that she will maintain regular contact with the official representatives of the hospital medical staff to make sure that any long-term adverse effect on morale and good will within the hospital service will be removed?

Mrs. Castle

I am only too ready to maintain these continuing contacts. We shall very shortly be resuming discussions on the changes in the consultants' contract for next year's review with the joint national council. My officials keep a close and continuing contact and I am always glad to develop personal ones.

Mr. Atkinson

Will my right hon. Friend re-echo the thought that a fresh start can now be made in rebuilding the consultancy services? Does she accept that two necessities now appear? The first is that there should be an acceleration of the incremental methods, so that a consultant can reach the top increments much faster. Secondly, will my right hon. Friend make an announcement that she is willing to abolish the infamous system of merit awards, which is so much detested throughout the medical profession?

Mrs. Castle

Yes, Sir. The Department gave evidence to the Review Body, which has just reported, on the need to shorten the incremental scales. I am glad to say that the Review Body accepted our recommendation. Therefore, progress has already been made in the current review. With regard to the coming discussions on modifications of the existing contract, in time for next year's review, I have made it clear in the letter I have sent to the consultants' representatives, on the basis of which they recommended a withdrawal of sanctions, that those discussions must include consideration of our proposals for replacing the old merit award system by a new and fairer system of career supplements.

Dr. Vaughan

Does the right hon. Lady agree that there has been a severe loss of confidence in her sincerity by the medical profession and that only genuine and far-ranging discussions by her will restore any form of confidence? Does she also agree that there is a grave shortage of money in the National Health Service? Is it not up to her to explain to the unions how the actions of their members are leading to cuts in the social services?

Mrs. Castle

The only loss has been loss of confidence in the courage of the hon. Gentleman and his colleagues, who throughout this long dispute have done nothing to condemn the action of the consultants or to encourage them to get back to the negotiating table. It is the Opposition who stand discredited and it is the Government who have reached a fair and honourable settlement with the consultants.