§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales why the advance letter sent by his Department to the Welsh health and technical services organisation, informing it of details of the nurses salary settlement of 1982, was not sent until 7 January; what delays in the payment of back pay to nurses and ancillary workers were caused by this; what representations he has received from the Royal College of Nursing on this matter; and if he will ensure that such delays will not occur in future years.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThere was no unreasonable delay. Advance letters have to be adapted before issue in Wales. 157W As in England, letters were despatched to district health authorities on 7 January, but an advance copy was sent to the Welsh health technical services organisation three days earlier. I am satisfied that, having regard to the range and complexity of the calculations involved, all reasonable steps have been taken to expedite the payment by authorities of back pay. I have received no representations from the Royal College of Nursing.