HC Deb 11 July 1978 vol 953 cc1228-30
4. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the advice given to him as a result of the ballot of consultants on the proposed new pay contract represents the real position, in the light of the evidence sent to him by the hon. Member for Brent, South; what representations he has received from the whole-time Consultants Association; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister for Social Security (Mr. Stanley Orme)

After receiving a number of representations, including a letter from the chairman of the National Health Service Consultants Association, my right hon. Friend wrote to the British Medical Association seeking an assurance that virtually full coverage of the doctors eligible to vote has been achieved. On the basis of the association's reply, I am satisfied that this was so.

Mr. Pavitt

Does my right hon. Friend accept that this proposed contract is not only about consultants' salaries but can affect the whole character of the National Health Service? As the whole-time consultants see it as a charter for private practice, will my right hon. Friend ensure that before the Government take any decision they will have either separate monitoring to satisfy the doubts of the whole-time consultants that the coverage has been complete or monitoring of whatever the BMA does in this connection?

Mr. Orme

Two-thirds of those eligible to vote did so. Of those voting, 70 per cent. were in favour of accepting the new proposals—subject to pricing—including just over 50 per cent. of all NHS contract-holders. The BMA has said that it may hold a second ballot when the new contract has been priced if it feels that the profession should again be consulted.

Mr. Marten

There is considerable anxiety among some consultants about the pension arrangements, which are a very complicated matter. Were these covered in the contract to which the Question refers?

Mr. Orme

No, they were not. I shall refer this point to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

Dr. M. S. Miller

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the position that he describes does not apply exactly in respect of some whole-time consultants who feel that since some consultants are not members of the BMA they were not involved in the ballot? Would it not have been better for the ballot to have been conducted by the Department and not the BMA?

Mr. Orme

The ballot was conducted by the Electoral Reform Society on behalf of the BMA. Every step was taken to ensure that it was correctly conducted. Obviously, a minority did not get ballot papers, but I think that the fact that over 50 per cent. of the total membership voted in favour is an indication that the coverage was pretty thorough.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Will the right hon. Gentleman dissociate himself from the criticisms levelled at the contract by the hon. Member for Brent, South (Mr. Pavitt)? Is it not a fact that the Government have accepted the terms of the contract and that, now that the consultants have voted in favour of it, as soon as it is priced it will be implemented and the Government will operate it according to the terms of the contract?

Mr. Orme

There is the possibility of a further ballot after pricing, so a final decision has not yet been taken.