HC Deb 03 April 1980 vol 982 cc381-3W
Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consideration he has given to the Clegg recommendations that the hours of work of professions supplementary to medicine in the National Health Service should be increased from 35 to 37½ hours per week; what effect this will have on the level of employment in the service if he estimates that waiting lists are likely to increase as a result; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Vaughan

Consideration of the standing commissions' recommendations are initially a matter for the professional and technical 'A' Whitley Council which negotiates the pay and conditions of service of the professions supplementary to medicine and speech therapists. Discus- sions within the council are continuing. It is not possible to forecast the effect of a standard working week of 37½ hours on the level of employment in the service, though it would vary from profession to profession and I do not anticipate it would increase waiting lists.

Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the recommendations of the Clegg Commission in respect of the definition of "full-time" service of physiotherapists provides an equitable basis for new pay scales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitlock

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what his intentions are towards the recommendations of the Clegg Commission on the professions supplementary to medicine which would involve an increase in the working week for some staff.

Dr. Vaughan

I can understand the disappointment of physiotherapists, and other groups within the professions supplementary to medicine pay group, that part of the extra pay recommended for them by the standing commission was conditional on an upward change in standard working hours. However no one will be compelled to increase their hours as a result nor will their pay be cut. The arguments for the change are set out in paragraph 68 of the Commission's report No. 4. I would not wish to comment further on the recommendation whilst discussions continue within the professional and technical 'A' Whitley Council, which negotiates the pay and conditions of service of physiotherapists and other professions supplementary to medicine.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the professions supplementary to medicine with regard to the Clegg report on pay comparability; what replies he has made or is making; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Vaughan

I have had a considerable number of representations from and on behalf of staff in the professions supplementary to medicine and speech therapists expressing disappointment with the recommendations on their pay and conditions made by the Clegg Standing Commission. I have made clear that I understand their disappointment that part of the recommended increases in pay were conditional on increases in their working hours but that the matter is primarily for the professional and technical "A" Whitley Council, which is the negotiating body for these professions.