§ 59. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, due to the employers refusing to implement a Whitley Council wage award, the trade unions in the hospital and medical services have given notice of their intention to take certain action to enforce this award; to what extent this action will interfere with the efficient administration of the hospital and medical services; what action he proposes to take to resolve this wage dispute; and whether he will make a further statement.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe hon. Member seems to be under some misapprehension and I would refer him to the statement which I made in the debate in this House on 6th November. I have seen reports in the Press that the unions concerned have recommended their members to take certain action, but it is too early to judge what effect this action, if taken, would have. In the technical sense there is at present no dispute.