§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he proposes to take in the light of the conclusions of the paper relating to outpatients waiting lists which appeared in theBritish Medical Journal of 30 April, a copy of which has been sent to him.
§ Mr. NewtonI have noted the conclusions of the paper drawn on the basis of a study at the Royal Northern hospital. The pay and conditions of secretarial and clerical staff are matters for negotiation in the Administrative and Clerical Staffs Whitley council. This council is currently discussing a revised pay and grading system with a view to helping health authorities to overcome problems of recruitment and retention of certain groups of staff in particular geographical areas. In addition, health authorities are encouraged to use local initiatives on employment conditions to make jobs more attractive.