§ Mr. William Clarkasked the Prime Minister whether he will make an announcement about the review bodies' recommendations on the remuneration of doctors and dentists and on top salaries in the public sector.
§ The Prime MinisterThe existing levels of doctors' and dentists' remuneration were recommended in part in 1970 by the previous review body, and in part in 1971 in the first report of the present review body, chaired by Lord Halsbury, and were intended to remain in force until April, 1972. The review body has now made its second report, recommending new levels for all National Health Service doctors and dentists from 1st April, 1972. These represent an increase of about 8 per cent. in the overall cost of net intended remuneration in 1971–72.
The existing salaries of the judiciary; nationalised board members and chairmen; senior Armed Service officers, and the higher Civil Service are at levels deriving from reviews related to mid-1969. The review body chaired by Lord Boyle, which began work last year, has now made a report recommending increases effective from 1st January this year and averaging 6.8 per cent. compound over the period from mid-1969 to the effective date.
Both Reports are being published today as Command Papers and copies are available in the Vote Office. The Government are grateful to Lord Halsbury and Lord Boyle and their colleagues for the work they have done in preparing the Reports, and are ready to accept all the recommendations. Orders will, however, be required in the case of the higher judiciary of the United Kingdom and the Metropolitan magistrates, and such Orders cannot be given retrospective effect. It is proposed to lay the necessary orders forthwith.