HC Deb 12 March 1979 vol 964 cc59-60W
Mr. Hodgson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the formal negotiating structure for the agreement of salaries and salary-related matters for clinical academic staff employed by the universities and medical schools; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Oakes

Hitherto, the determination of salaries of clinical academic staff has been conducted informally by the University Grants Committee in consultation with representatives of the interested parties. Arrangements are now well advanced for negotiations to be dealt with on a more formal basis by a group consisting of members nominated by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals, representing the employers, and representatives of the British Medical Association, the Association of University Teachers and the British Dental Association. Officials of the University Grants Committee would also participate. This group will be responsible for applying the increases awarded to NHS hospital doctors to clinical academic staff.

Mr. Hodgson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether comparability of remuneration exists between clinical academic staff with honorary National Health Service consultant contracts and their full-time National Health Service equivalents.

Mr. Oakes

The rates of remuneration are at present identical.

Mr. Hodgson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what studies her Department has made of the effect of the present day pay structure on the recruitment of clinical academic staff.

Mr. Oakes

None. It is too early to judge the effect of the recent pay settlement on the recruitment of such staff.

Mr. Hodgson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans she has to alter the arrangements of clinical academic staff with honorary National Health Service consultant contracts if a new National Health Service consultant contract is introduced later in the year, particularly with regard to emergency recall fees.

Mr. Oakes

This would be a matter for the proposed group to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member's earlier question today. Preliminary discussions are already taking place on an informal basis, with advice as necessary from the University Grants Committee. My Department and the health departments are ready to be consulted and to offer advice.