§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the study into nurses' and midwives' pay and allowances comparability will be completed; what is the position regarding sums paid to community nurses and others on account, in respect of prospective increases in allowances; and when he expects additional payments to be made to community nurses in respect of the recent rise in petrol costs.
§ Dr. VaughanThe Standing Commission investigating the pay of nurses and midwives was expected to report by 1 August 1979. This report will not be available now until 1 January. However, the first stage payments will then be backdated to 1 August. In order to cover the position from 1 August we have572W authorised interim salary increases of £104 or £130 per annum.
In accordance with the terms of the main Whitley Council agreement of April 1979, the cost of payments on account made between April and the end of July 1979 will be offset against sums due under the first-stage award. The General Whitley Council agreed new rates of mileage allowances for NHS staff, including community nurses, on 25 June. The increases, which took effect from 1 June, took account of recent petrol price increases and extra costs, arising from the Budget.