HC Deb 05 July 1974 vol 876 cc315-6W
Mr. Molloy

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will improve the car allowances for health visitors.

Dr. Owen

Mileage allowances for staff employed in the National Health Service are negotiated in the General Whitley Council. Increases to the present rates of allowances are currently being discussed in the council and details of the new rates, which will be backdated, will be circulated as soon as agreement is reached.

Mr. Molloy

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what changes are envisaged with regard to the status and remuneration of health visitors in the reorganised health service; and if she will make a statement.

Dr. Owen

It is not proposed that the reorganisation of the health service should lead to any change in the status of health visitors. Indeed, my right hon. Friend, in her reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Mrs. Jeger) on 6th May—[Vol. 873, c.55–7.] accepting the Briggs Report, announced that the name of "Health Visitor" would be retained and incorporated in the title of the proposed new statutory bodies. She also announced that the new Central Council of Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors would have a Standing Health Visiting Committee.

The remuneration of health visitors is primarily a matter for the Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council and is also within the terms of reference of the present independent inquiry into the pay and conditions of service of nurses and midwives.