HC Deb 04 June 1962 vol 661 cc14-5W
72. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health why the management side of the Nurses' and Midwives' Whitley Council have not yet replied to the staff side's letter of 24th May, relating to the opening of negotiations on the salary claim; When a reply may be expected; and if he will take steps through his representatives on the Council to secure more expeditious handling of a claim which has now been outstanding for 10 months.

Mr. Powell

I understand that the two sides have agreed to meat next week.

Mr. Spriggs

asked the Minister of Health if he will now reconsider his offer to the nurses in view of the award to nurses outside the National Health Service hospitals.

Mr. Powell

No.

Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the average rate of pay for nursing staff in October, 1951; and, taking the £ sterling as having a purchasing value then of 20s., by how much each year to date this average salary would need to have been increased to maintain the purchasing value of October, 1951.

Mr. Powell

It is not possible to state the average rate of pay for nursing staff.