§ 50. Mr. Andrew MacKayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the future of levels of nurses' pay.
§ Mr. NewtonThe pay of nurses, midwives and health visitors is determined on the recommendations of the independent Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives and Health Visitors. I understand that the review body will shortly be taking evidence from the health departments, trade unions and professional associations with a view to reporting to the Prime Minister in the spring of next year.
The Government have implemented all four reports of the independent review body since it was established in 1984. As a result, nurses' pay has risen by some 16 per cent. in real terms during this period and by nearly 30 per cent. in real terms since 1979.