§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what facilities exist in the National Health Service for the holding of trade union meetings.
§ Mrs. CastleI would expect health authorities normally to provide reasonable facilities, including accommodation, for relevant trade union meetings. If my hon. Friend has any evidence to the contrary I shall be happy to look into it.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied with the appeals machinery in the National Health Service following the dismissal of staff.
§ Mrs. CastleOn 27th January the General Whitley Council concluded an agreement on dismissals procedure which will replace arrangements promulgated in 1951 and considered to be inadequate. The new agreement continues to provide a right of appeal to the employing authority. Provision for further right of332W appeal to an independent body is still under negotiation.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many official strikes have taken place in England in the National Health Service since reorganisation.
§ Mrs. CastleIndustrial action with official support has occurred in a number of areas involving various categories of staff. As local action has often been related to a national dispute, it would be difficult to give a meaningful total figure.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many staff have been dismissed in England in the National Health Service for holding unauthorised union meetings since the reorganisation.
§ Mrs. CastleNational Health Service staff are the employees of area or regional health authorities and information about dismissals is not held centrally.