§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware of the unrest caused among nursing administrators by his publication of the salaries to be paid on reorganisation of the National Health Service; why his decisions were made outside the Whitley Council machinery; and how he arrived at these decisions.
§ Sir K. JosephI am aware of the views which have been expressed by a number of senior nursing staff on this subject. My decisions were necessary54W because agreement on the Whitley Council was not possible at the level of salaries offered and because further delay would place in jeopardy the programme for the reorganisation of the National Health Service on 1st April 1974. In reaching my decisions I had regard to the responsibilities of the new posts and the provisions of the Pay Code relating to new work. The salaries are provisional and are subject to review after reorganisation.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received on behalf of administrative staff in the National Health Service concerning the salaries offered for administrators in the new area health authorities; what reply he is making; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephI saw representatives of the staff side on 10th May before reaching my decision to advise authorities of the provisional salaries I would be prepared to approve. The staff side subsequently informed me that it wished to see my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, and he received a deputation today.