HC Deb 07 May 1968 vol 764 cc61-2W
Q11. Dr. Ernest A. Davies

asked the Prime Minister if he has yet received the report of the review body on doctors' and dentists' remuneration.

The Prime Minister

Yes. The Review Body have now reported to me on the remuneration of general medical practitioners, hospital medical and dental staff and general dental practitioners. The report is being published today as a Command Paper and copies are available in the Vote Office.

Hon. Members will wish to study the report. The only point I would make now is that such increases in remuneration as are recommended in the report satisfy the incomes policy criteria and are, overall, well within the ceiling of 3½ per cent.

The Government have accepted the advice tendered in the report in its entirety and note that the Review Body are keeping the subject of doctors' and dentists' pay under continuous review. Early steps are being taken to open the necessary discussions with the professions on the detailed implementation of the recommendations and on matters referred back by the Review Body for further negotiation.

Finally, I should like to express the Government's thanks to the Review Body for the valuable work they have done in preparing this report.