HC Deb 07 March 1978 vol 945 cc578-9W
5. Mr. Michael Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the state of industrial relations in the National Health Service.

Mr. Ennals

The National Health Service is a complex organisation with scope for friction between different types and levels of staff. While in general industrial relations in the National Health Service are good there have in recent years been disputes involving doctors, nurses and other Health Service workers which have caused me concern. I am involved in discussions with the trade unions and the medical profession to find ways of improving industrial relations. I also hope that the implementation of Lord McCarthy's view of the Whitley Council system will help in this respect.