§ Mr. FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to place all National Health Service scientific and technical staff, together with support grades, within a pay review body; and if he will make a statement. [83727]
§ Mr. DenhamOn 15 February 1999, the Health Departments published proposals for modernising the National Health Service Pay System in "Agenda for Change". This included the possibility of moving some highly qualified health professionals into the remit of the Nurses, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine Review Body.
Discussions have recently opened between representatives of NHS trade unions and management representatives from NHS employers and the four Health Departments on the basis of our proposals for modernising the NHS pay system. We will develop the proposed changes in a spirit of partnership.
It is too early to comment on proposals for specific staff groups.