§ Mr. Emeryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what reports he has received that the limitation of work by members of the Association of Scientific Technical and Managerial Staffs has affected patients; how many times patients have been affected, in emergency and non-emergency cases, respectively, and what action he is taking to bring this dispute to an end.
§ Mr. AlisonAt many hospitals pathological investigations have been delayed, causing inconvenience to patients, but I know of no cases where urgent work has not been undertaken. We have encouraged representatives of the Association to pursue any grievances constitutionally; I understand the members of the Association are not currently imposing any limitations on work in hospital laboratories.