§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is aware of the delays in payment of increased salaries to nursing staff in the Kent Health Authority area; and what action she proposes to take.
§ Dr. OwenI understand that most nurses employed by the Kent Area Health Authority will be paid in December on the new scales. They have meantime 193W received three payments on account of the arrears of pay due to them and will receive a further substantial payment on account during December. I have made special requests to salaries and wages staff, already under extreme pressure, to make advances on account and to implement the very complicated agreements as soon as possible. They have responded magnificently.