§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the increase in nurses' remuneration between 1 April 1974 and 1 October 1979 and between 1 October 1979 and 1 April 1989; and if he will also present the increase in remuneration during both periods after deduction of charges for accommodation and board.
§ Mr. MellorThe value of nurses real terms pay has changed as follows:
Hospital Consultants in Immunopathology at 30 September 1987 Number Per 100,000 population Whole time equivalent Per 100,000 population United Kingdom 44 0.1 30.2 0.1 England 40 0.1 27.5 0.1 Wales 0 0 0 0 Scotland 2 0 1.6 0 Northern Ireland 2 0.1 1.1 0.1 Figures include permanent paid and honorary and are rounded to the first decimal point.
788W
Pay Round Years(1 August to 31 July) Percentage Movement in Real Terms Pay (a) 1974–75 to 1978–79 -21 1979–80 to 1988–89 +44 Basic pay, after deductions for lodging charges, for the main grades of nursing staff fell in real terms in the five years to 1979, that is:—
Pay Round Years 1974–75—1978–79 Grades (Maximum of Scale) Percentage Movement in Real Terms Pay, after deductions for Lodging charges (a) Sister -23 Staff Nurse -19 Enrolled Nurse -17 Nursing Auxiliary -10 Student -5 Note: Percentage movements in real terms reflect the percentage cash increase/decrease for the pay round year deflated by the increase in the retail prices index throughout the pay round year.
Lodging charges ceased however to be linked with salaries in 1981. Since that date the council responsible for negotiating nurses terms and conditions of service has agreed varying charges for defined categories of accommodation, based on the cost of providing that accommodation. Learner nurses and staff under 22 pay lower rates. Direct comparison with pay levels cannot therefore now be made.