HC Deb 16 March 1971 vol 813 cc268-9W
45. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of hours at present in the working week of a qualified nurse; what is the amount per week which an 81 per cent. increase in salary would give; and if he will make a statement.

Sir K. Joseph

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply today to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) regarding the recent Whitley Council agreement which provides for the present 42-hour week to be reduced to 40 from 1st January, 1972, and for a general pay increase of 81 per cent, from 1st April, 1971 giving weekly rates as follows:

General Hospital Psychiatric Hospital
Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
£ £ £ £
Staff Nurse 19.33 24.57 21.23 26.47
Enrolled Nurse 16.92 20.14 18.81 22.04

Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is now in a position to make a statement on nurses' salaries.

Sir K. Joseph

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) earlier today.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware that before receipt of the proposed award of 121 per cent. in their pay, nurses have had the charges for their hospital lodgings increased by 8 per cent.; and whether he will arrange for the nurses' pay increases to be paid without reductions.

Sir K. Joseph

It is normal practice for the Whitley Council to negotiate adjustments of the lodging charges for resident staff at the same time as they negotiate new salary scales and I see no reason to intervene. The agreed increase, which will operate from the same date as the pay increase, is 8½ per cent. of the existing charges and will range from £1.80 a year for the 18 year old student nurse to £39 a year for Principal Nursing Officers.