§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that due to staff shortages the operating theatre at Queen Mary's Hospital, Stratford, had to shut down during the weekend of 26th–27th November; and, as the shortage of staff is due mainly to the poor wages and salaries received by these hospital workers in particular and the National 380W Health Service employees in general, what action he proposes to take to increase these wages and salaries.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThe closure was due primarily to the sickness of two theatre nurses. The pay of National Health Service employees is agreed by the various Whitley Councils for the Health Service. Nursing staff received an increase of about 11 per cent. in 1965 and the pay of ancillary staff is at present being considered by the National Board for Prices and Incomes.