HC Deb 11 November 1975 vol 899 cc634-6W
Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for the Social Services (1) what is the latest estimate for the average annual income of British nursing sisters at National Health Service hospitals; and what are the equivalent figures for each of the other countries of the EEC;

(2) what is the latest estimate for the average annual income of British dentists; and what are the equivalent figures for each of the other countries in the EEC;

(3) what is the latest estimate for the average annual income of British general practitioners; and what are the equivalent figures for each of the other countries of the EEC;

(4) what is the latest estimate for the average income of British staff nurses at National Health Service hospitals; and what are the equivalent figures for each of the other countries of the EEC;

(5) what is the latest estimate for the average annual income of each grade of junior hospital doctor at National Health Service hospitals; and what are the equivalent figures for each of the other countries of the EEC.

Mr. Meacher

Information about estimated average incomes in the National Health Service is given below. I regret the Department does not have reliable information on average earnings of the health professions in other EEC countries.

For nurses, statistics in the form requested are not available. On the basis of the mean of the basic salary scales, plus the average amount of overtime found by a recent survey to be worked by these grades of nurses, the average gross income of a ward sister and a staff nurse would be £3,183 and £2,408 respectively. This does not take account of additional receipts for working at night, weekends or on public holidays, with psychiatric or geriatric patients or in the London area.

Non-contributory invalidity pension Invalidity benefit Skillcentre allowances for persons living at home Employment Rehabilitation Centre allowances for persons living at home
£ £ £ £
Single person over 20 years of age 7.90 16.10 19.40 15.05
Married man with one child 19.30 30.50 29.0 25.45
Married man with two children 24.30 35.50 3.80 27.45

Notes:

  1. (i) The amounts shown for invalidity benefit include invalidity allowance of £2.80 a week, which is payable where incapacity began before age 35. Where incapacity began before age 45, the rate of invalidity allowance will be £1.70 and, before age 59 (men) or 54 (women), 85p.
  2. (ii) Family allowances of £1.50 a week are also payable where there are two children in the family.
  3. (iii) The skillcentre and employment rehabilitation centre allowances may be supplemented by an earnings-related supplement of up to £9.37 a week, free midday meals, or a meals allowance and payment of travelling expenses.
  4. (iv) Supplementary benefit may be payable in addition to these benefits and allowances.

The intended average net income of dentists practising in the NHS general dental services is £7,643 for the year 1975–76.

For general medical practitioners the Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body recommended fees and allowances intended to produce average net remuneration after payment of practice expenses of £8,485. They estimated that general practitioners would also receive an average of £450 from other NHS work and from other official sources.

On the average income of junior hospital doctors I would refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend's reply to a similar Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon (Mr. Moonman) on 10th November.

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