HC Deb 15 February 1982 vol 18 cc12-3
12. Mr. Grist

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the increase in nursing and midwifery staff in the National Health Service in Wales since May 1979.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

By the end of 1981 the number had increased by 2,538 or 10.9 per cent.

Mr. Grist

In view of his highly satisfactory answer, will my hon. Friend say what effect that has had on the waiting lists in the National Health Service?

Mr. Roberts

It has had a favourable effect in the sense that between June 1979 and June 1981 the number of outpatients on the waiting lists decreased by 2,959, and the list of in-patients decreased by 6,159. In-patient waiting lists in Wales are the lowest that they have been since the reorganisation of the National Health Service.

Dr. Roger Thomas

Will the Minister state whether there has been a corresponding increase in geriatric and psychogeriatric nursing in Wales?

Mr. Roberts

If the hon. Member will send me a detailed question on that matter, I shall endeavour to answer it.

Mr. Coleman

In view of that answer, will the Minister ensure that the increase that he has announced to the House today is continued by ensuring that the measly increase of 4 per cent. now on offer to nurses and midwives is revised upwards? Despite the settlement that may be arrived at this year, will the Minister add his weight to finding an agreed formula for devising future salary levels, so that these dedicated people do not find that they are left behind year after year?

Mr. Roberts

The Government are anxious to devise fair and just long term arrangements for nurses' pay. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services recently issued a paper outlining possible approaches to both sides of the Nurses and Midwives Whitley council. The Government's record on nurses' pay is good. It began with the 9 per cent. increase from April 1979, and was followed by the full Clegg award of 22 per cent., the reduction in the working week from 40 to 371/2 hours, a 14 per cent. increase in 1980, and a 6 per cent. increase in 1981.