Nurses (Pay) (Hansard, 18 March 1981)

§ Mr. Arthur Lewis
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage increase in salaries would be needed to pay to the nurses the equivalent income today to put them on the same basis within the general incomes league as was their position in 1974; and whether he will take whatever action may prove necessary to ensure that nurses are restored to their income level of 1974.

§ Dr. Vaughan
The earnings of nurses have moved by different amounts for different grades since 1974, and it is not possible to provide a reply in the precise terms requested. The table below indicates, in column 6, the percentage amounts by which the estimated average earnings, at scale maxima, of certain nursing grades increased between May 1974—the date from which the Halsbury award was implemented—and May 1980. The 1974 figures include assumptions based on current: experience as to the amounts by which total earnings exceed basic pay. The table also shows for the grades concerned the proportions by which the total increases occurred before and since May 1979, when the present Government took office. Pay negotiations are the responsibility of the Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council.
prescribed limits; and what percentage of total family income supplement recipients the figures represent in each year.

§ Mrs. Chalker
I regret that information is not available in the form requested. On expiry of an award a recipient could be ineligible for a renewal award for a variety of reasons. The major ones are that 121W

(a) there are no longer any dependent children;

(b) the head of the family is no longer employed or self-employed for at least 30 hours per week 24 hours for a one-parent family;

(c) the family's assessable income is above the prescribed amount.

1976 1977 1978 1979 1980

Number of awards expiring 60,000 77,000 89,000 81,000 81,000

Number of renewal awards made 30,000 38,000 39,000 34,000 27,000^*

Percentage renewing 50 49 44 42 †

Number of renewal claims rejected 8,000 9,000 13,000 13,000 9,000^*

Number of renewal claims rejected where income was higher than prescribed amount 4,000 5,000 9,000 8,000 5,000^*

^* These 1980 figures refer to the months from January to October only.

† Not yet available.

The answer to part (b) of the question could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

	1976	1977	1978	1979	1980
Number of awards expiring	60,000	77,000	89,000	81,000	81,000
Number of renewal awards made	30,000	38,000	39,000	34,000	27,000^*
Percentage renewing	50	49	44	42	†
Number of renewal claims rejected	8,000	9,000	13,000	13,000	9,000^*
Number of renewal claims rejected where income was higher than prescribed amount	4,000	5,000	9,000	8,000	5,000^*
^* These 1980 figures refer to the months from January to October only.
† Not yet available.