§ 54. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Health the number of hospitals in Wales involved in the ban on overtime; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI assume the hon. Member is referring to the ban on overtime in respect of administrative and clerical staff. 87 hospitals are involved. I am informed that finance departments are chiefly affected, but that in general weekly wages were paid on time at the weekend.
§ 60. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Health whether he has now had an opportunity of examining to what extent the action of trade unions and staff associations in the hospital and medical services, in working to rule and banning overtime, has affected the efficient administration of these services; and whether he will make a further statement.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am in close touch with the situation through regular reports from all parts of the country and have no evidence that the efficiency of the services is yet affected. I am happy to say that by no means all the unions and associations concerned are taking part in the action referred to, nor all the branches of those which are.