§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the ancillary staff working in the operating departments of the National Health Service receive sufficient recognition at supervisory level for the responsibility which they take, particularly in the case of senior operating department assistants.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe pay and conditions of service of senior operating department assistants are at present determined by the Ancillary Staffs Whitley Council and I am satisfied that the council has had due regard to the responsibilities of the grade. Both sides of the council have agreed, however, that it would now be appropriate for future negotiations for the operating department assistant grades to be undertaken by another Whitley Council and this is being considered within the Whitley machinery.