§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware that the National Union of Public Employees has given notice of a half day strike on 13th December to 51 hospital management boards in support of its claim for a £4 a week increase for hospital ancillary workers; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. AlisonThe standstill on prices and incomes has the effect of postponing a pay increase for National Health Ser-92W vice ancillary staff among others. I regret that demonstrations by these staff are being arranged for 13th December. My right hon. Friend has asked hospital authorities to seek to maintain essential services but the demonstrations may cause some unavoidable inconvenience to patients and the public.