§ Sir B. Strossasked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware of the shortage of hospital pharmacists and the disparity in the remuneration offered, for posts in central London in particular, between pharmacists employed in chemist shops and those in the Hospital Service; 171W and what steps he will take to increase the remuneration of hospital pharmacists to a level commensurate with their training and responsibility;
(2) how many vacancies in the basic grade of hospital pharmacist exist in the London teaching hospitals; what is the total establishment for this grade; and what action he proposes to prevent a total breakdown of the service.
§ Mr. BraineI am aware that there are some shortages of pharmacists especially in Central London. The London teaching hospitals have no recognised establishment figures but are seeking to recruit 58 pharmacists in the basic grade. The temporary difficulties which have previously occurred in summer months appear to be more serious this year. Recruitment of pharmacists is a matter for the hospital authorities and their salaries are those which were awarded recently by the industrial Court after consideration of the rates payable in retail pharmacy.