§ Dr. SHIELSasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the Scottish Board of Health recently advertised for a medical officer (woman) at a salary of £500 rising to £800: whether this is the same scale of salary as is applicable to medical officers (men); whether the salary is substantially less than that paid to medical officers of similar qualifications and discharging similar duties employed by the Ministry 1175W of Health; and, if so, what are the grounds on which the difference is based?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIn reply to the first part of the question, the figures quoted by the hon. Member exclude the cost of living bonus. Including this bonus, the minimum, accordingly, is £684 and the maximum is £1,009. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last parts, I understand that a higher scale is payable to medical officers in the Ministry of Health. The salary scales referred to are the result of long negotiations turning on general considerations outwith the scope of Parliamentary question and answer.