§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations he has had in support of an improved pay offer to the professions supplementary to medicine; what recent replies he has sent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergWe have received a large number of representations on this subject and in reply have pointed out that the Government have decided that in 1982–83 an extra £4.926 million (over the general 4 per cent. pay factor) should be made available to the main pay group covering the professions supplementary to medicine. The management side of the Professional and Technical 'A' Whitley Council has made an offer to the staff side which would result in an overall increase of 6.4210W per cent. on the pay bill. In addition we have given an assurance that we attach as much importance to establishing new long term arrangements for determining the pay of these professions as we do for nurses.