§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on manpower in the hospital pharmaceutical service.
§ Mr. HayhoeThere were 3,209 (whole-time equivalent) pharmacists in the hospital service in England at 30 September 1984.
I am aware of recruitment difficulties in the basic grade in some areas and I understand that the management side of the Pharmaceutical Whitley council has indicated to the staff side that it would wish to see the settlement of the current pay claim weighted in favour of the pay of basic grade pharmacists who represent about one third of the total. The council is due to meet again on 8 November to continue negotiations.