§ Sir Nigel Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much a 10 per cent. rise in the National Health Service wage bill would cost; and whether increases will be paid for out of general taxation or by means of cuts in services.
§ Mr. EnnalsAssuming no change in the numbers employed, a 10 per cent. increase in the current pay bill for health authorities would cost £314 million. Provision for pay increases in line with the Government's guidelines stated in Cmnd. 7293, together with the £3.50 a week underpinning for the lower paid subsequently announced, will be included in the cash limits for 1979–80. The question of any increase in cash limits, to478W accommodate settlements in excess of this provision, will be considered on the basis of the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to my hon. Friend the Member for Thorn-ably (Mr. Wrigglesworth) on 23 February.—[Vol. 963, c. 334–5.]