§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is the average gross weekly earnings of (a) secretarial and (b) clerical staff in the National Health Service in Wales; and how this compares with the average gross weekly earnings of secretarial and clerical staff in general;
(2) how many (a) secretarial staff and (b) clerical workers in the National Health Service in Wales have gross weekly earnings of (i) £120 or more, (ii) between £100 and £120, (iii) between £80 and £100 and (iv) less than £80; and what proportion of the total each category (i) to (iv) represents.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonThe information is not readily available. I will write to the hon. Gentleman and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of (a) secretarial staff and (b) clerical workers in the National Health Service in Wales are women.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonAt the end of September 1986, almost 100 per cent. of secretarial staff and almost 91 per cent. of clerical workers' employed in the National Health Service were women.
1 Clerical officers and higher clerical officers.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will set up a review into the conditions of work and pay of secretarial staff and clerical workers in the National Health Service in Wales.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonPay and conditions of service for this group of staff are negotiated within the Administrative and Clerical Whitley Council, which is currently conducting a grading structure review.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied that present levels of salaries of secretarial staff and clerical workers in the National Health Service in Wales are sufficient to attract adequately qualified applicants for vacant posts.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonI have been given no indication that the salary levels negotiated within the Whitley Council are failing to attract suitably qualified secretarial and clerical staff into the NHS in Wales.
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§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many secretarial and clerical staff are employed by the National Health Service in Wales; and what proportion they represent of the total National Health Service work force in Wales.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonAt the end of September 1986, the National Health Service in Wales employed 4,984 persons on secretarial1 and clerical grades, representing 7.5 per cent. of all persons employed. These employees account for 4,238 whole-time equivalent posts, representing 7.7 per cent. of all such posts.
1 Includes superintendent of typists.