§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals she has for introducing a salary scale for area speech therapists.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe negotiation of salary scales for area speech therapists is a matter for the National Health Service Professional and Technical Whitley Council "A". I am anxious that agreement should be reached as soon as possible so that posts can be advertised and appointments made.
Recommendations on grading and salaries for these posts were included in the report of the committee of inquiry submitted by Lord Halsbury at the end of last year, but I understand that the staff side of the Whitley Council has so far declined to accept these particular suggestions.
§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services 154W what estimate of need for speech therapists has been made by her Department for England and Wales; and what is the actual number in employment.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisNo separate estimate has been made by my Department. The hon. Member will be aware of the target for Great Britain of 2,500 full-time therapists recommended in the Quirk Report. At present, some 900 are employed in the National Health Service in England and Wales.
§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many speech therapists have been appointed to the area health authority serving Berkshire.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThirty-six—whole time equivalent 24—speech therapists are employed by the Berkshire Area Health Authority and there are nine vacancies.