HC Deb 20 March 1979 vol 964 cc583-4W
Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to implement paragraph 32 of the joint statement by the Trades Union Congress and the Government of February 1979, in respect of staff working in the National Health Service, with special reference to ambulancemen and to nurses.

Mr. Ennals

The Standing Commission on pay comparability which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced on 7 March is a direct realisation of the aspirations contained in paragraph 32 of the joint statement. I hope that ambulancemen, ancillary workers and nurses working in the National Health Service will agree that the proposals we have made for the Standing Commission to investigate the pay of these groups, among others, demonstrate the Government's intention to treat them fairly, and that this will obviate any recourse to industrial action.