§ 72. Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about the pay negotiations on behalf of National Health Service hospital craftsmen.
§ Mr. AlisonA reply is awaited from one of the groups of unions concerned to proposals for a common pay and grading structure covering the various trades in hospital maintenance departments.
§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the date of commencement of the last pay increase for National Health Service hospital craftsmen; and what was the amount in percentage and cash terms.
§ Mr. AlisonThe last pay increases for craftsmen in the National Health Service were as follows:
claims were discovered in each case; and how much was recovered for the Exchequer in regard to each benefit.
§ Mr. AlisonOn prescription charges, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 23rd February.
Information concerning rent and rates rebates is a matter for local authorities. Matters concerning free school meals, uniform grants and education maintenance allowances are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science.—[Vol. 812, c. 100–1.]