§ Mr. Marksasked the Minister of Health whether he will approve the extension of the incentive bonus homes scheme for building craftsmen, successful at Manchester Royal Infirmary, to other hospitals in the Manchester region.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThe Manchester Royal Infirmary scheme is experimental and has not yet been evaluated. I am, however, encouraging hospital authorities generally to recruit Work Study Officers with a view to the introduction of similar schemes based on proper work study. The Manchester Regional Hospital Board are proposing to introduce a pilot scheme as part of a wider experiment in the Ashton, Hyde and Glossop Hospital Management Group. They are also considering in the light of the experience at the Manchester Royal Infirmary whether they can reduce the time needed to introduce new schemes.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement on his proposals for extending the application of incentive bonus schemes to building trade operatives employed in the hospital service.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThere are three experimental schemes at various stages of development and I have agreed to the introduction of six more. The sites for two of these have been selected and the rest are under consideration. I have asked hospital boards to expand their work study forces as quickly as possible with a view to the introduction of schemes relating pay to productivity in all manual occupations, including building maintenance work.