§ 61. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why recent increases in salary made to senior members of the nursing profession are not in line with the needs of the nursing service or with the policy of Her Majesty's Government; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the salaries that I recently announced will be paid to chief nursing administrators in the reorganised National Health Service. In fixing the provisional salaries regard was had to the responsibilities of the new posts, as far as these can be assessed at present, compared with existing posts, and to the provision of the pay code relating to new work.
§ 63. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why he refused to negotiate the salaries of nursing officers who will be serving in management teams within the reorganised National Health Service with the Whitley Council; and why he ignored the advice tendered by that body.
§ Sir K. JosephNegotiations took place within the appropriate Whitley Council machinery. When it became clear that agreement between the two sides was not within reach, I decided to announce salaries which I would be prepared to approve so that the new posts might be advertised, at the time required by the reorganisation timetable.