§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what response he has made to the approach to him by the Hospital Consultants' and Specialists' Association, dated 16th February, putting forward a claim for increased pay.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe text of the reply sent on my behalf was as follows
The Secretary of State has asked me to thank you for your letter of 16 February and to reply on his behalf. He understands that the Joint Evidence Committee, acting for the recognised staff side of the Joint Negotiating Committee for Hospital Medical and Dental Staff, has submitted evidence to the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration which has the function of advising the Prime Minster on the remuneration of all NHS doctors and dentists. The Health Departments have also put evidence to the Review Body whose recommendations to the Prime Minister are normally effective from April.The salaries of consultants and other career grades are therefore a matter for recommendation by the Review Body; our agreement with the staff side makes no provision for direct negotiation on pay.The Secretary of State has asked me to add that a claim for an increase of over 80 per cent. in the current pay round—which is the effect of the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association's proposal—would be totally incompatible with the Government's pay guidelines.