§ LORD NUGENT OF GUILDFORDasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make an announcement about the Review Bodies' recommendations on the remuneration of doctors and dentists and on top salaries in the public sector.
§ LORD ABERDAREThe 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 the noble Earl, 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 April 1, 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 the noble Lord, Lord Boyle, which began work last year has now made a report recommending increases effective from January 1 this year and averaging 6.8 per cent. compound over the period from mid-1969 to the effective date.
Both reports are being published to-day as Command Papers, and copies are available in the Printed Paper Office. Her Majesty's Government are grateful to the noble Earl, Lord Halsbury, and the noble Lord, 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.
House adjourned at twenty-three minutes before three o'clock.