HC Deb 19 June 1978 vol 952 cc10-2W
Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why his Department has refused to continue negotiations with the Prison Officers Association at Ramp-ton Hospital on their full entitlement to lead-in payments; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Deakins

I assume that my hon. Friend's Question refers to suggestions that there might be increases in the proportions of the special hospitals lead pay paid to certain of the ancillary grades in the special hospitals. Under the current pay guidelines such improvements in pay and conditions have to count against the pay limit for the group concerned. Negotiations with the Prison Officers Association are taking place on an increase in lead pay itself and until these are completed it will not be possible to determine if there is scope for increases in the proportions payable to particular groups of staff. In view of this, discussions on such proportions have been temporarily suspended; but it should be possible to resume them fairly soon.

Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the Property Services Agency is refusing to continue negotiations with the Prison Officers Association at Rampton Hospital regarding the improvement of 163 staff houses there; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Deakins

Negotiations with the Prison Officers Association on this, as with other issues affecting the interests of staff in the special hospitals, are conducted by officials of my Department through the appropriate Whitley Committees for the special hospitals. Officers of the Agency where items involving the work of the Property Services Agency are to be considered will, exceptionally, attend meetings of local Whitley Committees as advisers to the Official Side, when requested to do so.

Plans for the improvement of these houses are under consideration but until they have been fully costed it is not possible to put firm proposals to the staff.

Mr Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the Katherine female maximum observation ward at Rampton Hospital has been closed since 1977; and what is the reason for the delay in reopening it.

Mr. Moyle

Catherine Ward was closed in December 1977 because it was felt that the conditions were unsuitable for patients and staff. It was then hoped that the major work needed to improve and modernise the building could begin in April 1978. Unfortunately owing to staffing and technical difficulties the Property Services Agency has had to delay the starting date. It is now hoped to begin the work in December 1978.