HL Deb 22 July 1975 vol 363 cc150-2

2.44 p.m.

Lord WALLACE of COSLANY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the annual cost of fees and allowances paid respectively to chairmen of Regional Health Authorities and chairmen of Area Health Authorities in the reorganised National Health Service.

Lord WELLS-PESTELL

My Lords, chairmen of each of the 14 Regional Health Authorities and 90 Area Health Authorities in England and the eight Area Health Authorities in Wales are entitled to taxable remuneration of £2,000 per annum. Not all chairmen have drawn their remuneration. Chairmen are also entitled to travelling and subsistence allowances at prescribed rates.

Lord WALLACE of COSLANY

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that this provision is an absolute nonsense and is not justifiable? Many unremunerated members of Area Health Authorities and Regional Health Authorities do as much work, if not more, and do not ask for any reward other than that of giving service to the Health Service. Should not this arrangement be abolished?

Lord WELLS-PESTELL

My Lords, the thinking of the Government is that it is desirable to have a level of remuneration so that the responsibilities which go with the job of being chairman can be fully discharged. It is felt that, in the circumstances, some remuneration is desirable.

Lord WALLACE of COSLANY

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that this procedure was never carried out when we had hospital management committees taking equal responsibility in those very difficult days, and there is no justification for it? Would it not be advisable to have a general debate on this question and to seek to amend the Act?

Lord WELLS-PESTELL

My Lords, obviously I will take note of what my noble friend has said and will certainly see that his remarks are conveyed to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State.

Lord INGLEWOOD

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether a way has yet been found whereby co-opted members of these authorities are entitled to the same allowances as appointed members, when both categories do exactly the same work?

Lord WELLS-PESTELL

My Lords, that is a slightly different question from the one I have been asked to answer. It is a matter I should like to look into and if I have anything to say about it I will write to the noble Lord.

Lord INGLEWOOD

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord.