§ 20. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Health what assurances were given to hospital staffs, including senior hospital medical officers, registrars, etc., as to the acceptance of the Spens' recommendations; how far he proposes to accept these recommendations; and what steps are being taken to implement the Spens' report as applicable to hospital staffs.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe recommendations in the Spens' Report formed the basis for the terms and conditions of hospital medical staff which were agreed with the profession and published in 1949. In answer to the second and third parts of the Question, I should like to make clear the Government's view that the remuneration of medical practitioners cannot be settled by reference only to the recommendations of a report made six years ago before any experience had been gained of the National Health Service. As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer said in this House on 2nd July, 1952, remuneration must be determined after taking into account all relevant circumstances. In the light of this, increased rates of pay have recently been introduced for hospital medical staff under an agreement with their representatives.