§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he envisages a pay award of 26 per cent. to workers who are members of the health unions, similar to that awarded to consultants, and so on.
§ Dr. VaughanThe pay of the major part of the NHS staff except doctors and dentists is negotiated by the NHS Whitley councils. Increases in basic rates awarded by the councils in 1978–79, inclusive of the settlements following the first report of the comparability Commission, have ranged from about 15 per cent. to 38 per cent. I would expect all Whitley councils to take a responsible attitude to pay settlements in the coming months and to be guided by the resources available, which of necessity must be limited by what the country can afford.